By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has received the ChangeMaker Climate Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to meteorological development, climate leadership and institutional reforms in Nigeria.
Anosike received the award at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards held on November 3, 2026, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, as part of activities marking the centenary celebration of The Daily Times of Nigeria.
The award recognises his leadership in repositioning NiMet as a technologically driven, responsive and service-oriented institution, as well as his efforts to strengthen the application of weather and climate information to national development.
It also acknowledges the Agency’s growing capacity to provide reliable weather and climate intelligence to support economic activities, protect lives, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against climate-related challenges.
Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023, Professor Anosike has pursued a reform agenda aimed at strengthening the scientific and technical capabilities of the Agency, modernising its operations and ensuring that meteorological information delivers measurable benefits to Nigerians.
Under his leadership, NiMet has continued to reinforce the strategic importance of meteorological services to critical sectors of the economy, particularly aviation, agriculture, disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.
The recognition comes at a time when the impacts of climate variability and climate change are increasingly influencing economic activities, livelihoods and development planning across the world.
Reliable weather forecasts, early warning systems and climate information have become essential tools for governments, businesses, farmers, aviation operators and emergency management agencies in preparing for and responding to weather-related risks.
Anosike’s leadership has therefore placed emphasis on moving meteorological services beyond the conventional responsibility of forecasting atmospheric conditions to providing actionable scientific information that supports planning, policy formulation and decision-making across different sectors.
The Agency has also strengthened its participation in international conversations on climate resilience, sustainable investment, early warning systems and the role of science and technology in addressing development challenges.
These efforts reflect the increasing recognition that effective meteorological institutions are indispensable to national preparedness, disaster risk reduction and sustainable economic growth.
The ChangeMaker Climate Leadership Award, presented during The Daily Times’ 100th anniversary celebration, underscores the importance of visionary leadership and institutional capacity in building a climate-resilient nation.
It also highlights the critical role of NiMet in providing the scientific information required to anticipate weather-related threats, reduce vulnerabilities and support national development priorities.
For the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the honour represents recognition of the institutional progress recorded under Anosike’s stewardship and reinforces its commitment to delivering timely, accurate and reliable weather and climate information.
The Agency’s services remain particularly important to the aviation industry, where accurate weather information is essential for flight safety and operational efficiency, as well as the agricultural sector, where seasonal forecasts and climate advisories help farmers make informed decisions on planting, harvesting and other farming activities.
Similarly, effective meteorological services contribute to disaster preparedness by providing early warnings that enable relevant authorities and communities to take preventive measures against extreme weather events.
With climate-related risks becoming increasingly significant to national and global development, the need for stronger meteorological infrastructure, scientific research and accessible climate information has continued to attract attention from policymakers and development partners.
Anosike’s recognition at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards therefore highlights the growing importance of meteorological leadership in Nigeria’s development process.
The award further reinforces NiMet’s determination to strengthen its institutional capacity and deliver services that support national safety, economic productivity, environmental sustainability and the protection of lives and property.
Under Anosike’s leadership, the Agency is expected to sustain its reform drive, deepen the use of technology and scientific innovation, and expand the value of meteorological information as a critical resource for national planning and sustainable development.
