The Department of Geography & Meteorology, UNIZIK joined the world Meteorological Organisation to celebrate the 2017 world Meteorological Day, 23rd of March, 2017.
The event which was held at the Chike Okoli Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies (COCES), UNIZIK was attended by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph E. Ahaneku, Fas represented by the DVC (Academic), Prof. Charles Esimone, Director General, NIMET, Prof. Abubakar Mashi, represented by Usman Abduraman, a representative of Sen. Dr. Andy Ubah, the Guest Lecturer and Vice-President, Association of Nigeria Geographers, Prof. P. A. O. Odjugo, Deans, HODs, Professors, Staff and Students and others from related Departments in the State.
Speaking during her welcome remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Prof. Valerie C. Nnodu expressed her delight at dignitaries who honoured the event. According to her, the event is held annually round the world, and it showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological services to the safety and well-being of the society. Also, she said that the event is commemorated yearly by the WMO, to keep constant watch on the weather and climate for the better life and future of human kind. She thanked the VC for his support and prayed for God’s divine guardian.
The Deputy Governor applauded the Department of Geography and Meteorology for joining the world to know what happens in our surroundings. He encouraged them, while calling for research grant for more research in such regards. To the students, he urged that they make better use of their time while they still could.
During the VC’s remark, the DVC (Academic) said it was a great thing that the University joins to commemorate the event annually. Again, he appreciated the Department which he said was great in achievement. He thanked all who made it a point of duty to come, while calling for financial support for the Department for its publications.
During the lecture, the Guest Lecturer gave a detailed lecture on the topic of this year’s commemoration: “Understanding the Cloud”. He said clouds are suspended visible mass of minute liquid droplets (warm clouds), or frozen crystals (cold clouds) in the atmosphere, formed through the condensation of water vapour. On ways to enhance cloud formation, Prof. Odjugo enumerated the following: Reduction of deforestation, afforestation, urban forestry and greenery, protection of watershed and course of rivers, encouraging infiltration, avoiding water pollution amongst others.
In his remark, the representative of the NIMET boss, Usman Abduraman said this year’s topic was apt, as it enlightens our knowledge and understanding of the cloud, which also helps in solving issues that may affect our socio-economic activities.
The HOD, Dr. Emma Ezenwaji in his speech said the Department joined in the annual event in 2015, and that discussions are ongoing with NIMET and relevant bodies to assist the Department to actualize the purchase of instrument to perform weather predictions. He thanked the VC and his Management Team for their support, while still seeking assistance for other challenges, one of which is insufficient staff.
After the presentation of the Department’s publication by Prof. Phil-Eze, the Chairman of the event, Prof. M. A. Ijioma, presented the Departmental publications to Miss Chioma Obadi who is a 300 level student of the Department.
