Maryam Aminu
Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about impact. For Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the true mark of leadership lies in setting a positive, lasting climate within a team.
Speaking at the African Leadership Persons of the Year 2025 event in Casablanca, Morocco, on Friday, March 21, 2025, Anosike underscored the power of influence, collaboration, and vision in shaping the future.
Anosike emphasized that true leadership is about inspiring collaboration, fostering resilience, and creating a lasting impact.
He highlighted the role of leaders in shaping organizational culture, stressing that great leadership is not just about authority but about setting the tone for success.
“While the weather may change tomorrow, the climate is experienced every day. Great leaders lead by doing!” he declared.
Nimet DG, who is among the recipients of the prestigious African Leadership Persons of the Year 2025 awards, expressed gratitude for the recognition.
He attributed his success to the unwavering support of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the dedicated team at NiMet.
He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility of driving transformative change at the agency, which has been delivering meteorological services for over 130 years since its establishment in 1887 in Akassa, present-day Bayelsa State.
Anosike highlighted NiMet’s pivotal role in supporting climate-smart agriculture, providing farmers with early warnings and climate intelligence to enhance productivity and food security.
“Climate change is a threat multiplier, exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities, especially for disadvantaged communities with limited access to resources or inadequate infrastructure. Extreme weather events further deepen these disparities,” he warned.
He outlined the agency’s commitment to multi-hazard monitoring, disaster risk management, and climate risk intelligence, all of which are critical for mitigation and adaptation strategies in Nigeria and beyond.
“By leveraging our network of weather stations across Nigeria and strengthening stakeholder collaboration, we deliver impact-based forecasts and early warnings to enhance safety, resilience, and food security,” he added.
NiMet is also collaborating with funding partners and the private sector to bridge government funding gaps in meteorological interventions. The agency is upgrading its weather observation networks to bolster early warning systems and enhance community preparedness for climate-related disasters.
Reinforcing the essence of teamwork and stakeholder engagement, Anosike stressed that leadership is not a solo endeavor but a shared responsibility.
“Leadership is not an individual property but an emergent property of the system,” he concluded.
As part of his recognition, Professor Anosike will receive the African Public Sector Leadership Impact Award at a grand ceremony scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2025.
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