Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, in partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), hosted a pivotal workshop on the downscaling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The event, held at the university’s auditorium, brought together climate scientists, academics, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss the implications of the national climate forecast for Imo State and the broader Southeast region.
During the event, the Management of Imo State University and NiMet representatives highlighted the importance of translating national climate forecasts into actionable local plans. Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, represented by Mr. Sholademi Bamidele, General Manager of Agro-Meteorology, emphasized the importance of downscaling the SCP to ensure that communities, farmers, and policymakers in Imo State can make informed decisions.
He stressed the necessity of feedback and collaboration, stating, “The 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction is perishable; actors must utilize it, provide feedback, and ensure its impact reaches the last mile for maximum benefit.”
Imo State University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to environmental leadership, noting that academic research and community outreach are vital in addressing the state’s climate vulnerabilities.
Speaking further, Professor Chukwumaeze said, "I am incredibly proud that our University is at the forefront of this critical conversation. The clear sense of our collective University's desire/goal is to be a place not just committed to academic excellence but also actively engaged with the community and researching to find practical answers/solutions to the challenges facing our society, such as climate change ".
"Climate Prediction, especially at the seasonal scale, has become a cornerstone for planning on many sectors. But for these predictions to be beneficial, they must be localized, accessible, and actionable. That is the essence of this event: bridging the gap between global climate models and the specific realities of our local communities".
The Vice-Chancellor also said, "At Imo State University, we are committed to being a hub for climate adaptation and resilience for sustainable development, as exemplified by this activity of the Imo State University Center for Atmospheric and Environmental Research. This event is a testament to the commitment of the University to the 3R Programme (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery) of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma".
He added, "We are not just discussing theoretical concepts; we are bringing practical, data-driven solutions to the doorstep of those who need them most. This gathering today represents a significant collaborative effort between the Imo State University and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). This synergy is crucial for ensuring that downscaled predictions are not only scientifically sound but also practical, accessible, and understandable to the end-users ".
The 2025 SCP, unveiled earlier this year by NiMet, forecasts an early onset of rainfall in southern states, including Imo, with significant rainfall events expected at the beginning of the season. This early onset is particularly relevant for Imo State, which has been grappling with increased flooding, gully erosion, and land degradation in recent years. The workshop emphasized the need for local adaptation strategies, as the SCP predicts that Imo and neighboring states will experience rainfall ahead of the historical average, raising both opportunities and risks for agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety.
The forum included technical sessions on interpreting rainfall onset and cessation dates, risk mapping, and strategies for flood and erosion control. Participants agreed that proactive measures are essential to mitigate the anticipated impacts of early and intense rainfall, especially in flood-prone and erosion-affected communities. Recommendations from the workshop included:
Strengthening early warning systems and public awareness campaigns
Supporting climate-smart agriculture and resilient infrastructure
Enhancing collaboration among government, academia, and local communities
Ensuring that SCP information is accessible in local languages and formats
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from both NiMet and Imo State University to continue joint research, capacity building, and policy advocacy for climate resilience in the region.
The 2025 SCP downscaling workshop marks a significant step in bridging the gap between national climate science and local action, equipping Imo State with the knowledge and tools to build a more resilient future.
Onyekachi A. Nwaozor,
is the Acting Public Relations Officer,
of Imo State University, Owerri.
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