By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has held a landmark send-forth ceremony to honour its retiring staff, marking a historic first in the agency’s evolution toward recognizing institutional legacy and valuing human capital. The emotional event, hosted at NiMet headquarters in Abuja, celebrated the selfless service, professionalism, and lifelong dedication of the retirees, whose contributions have helped shape the agency into a cornerstone of Nigeria’s climate and weather ecosystem.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, led tributes to the honourees, commending them as torchbearers who laid the foundation for the agency’s present and future successes.
“Today, we are not merely marking retirements, we are celebrating legacy,” Prof. Anosike said in his address. “These are individuals who gave their best to NiMet, mentored generations of professionals, built systems, and preserved institutional memory. Their fingerprints are on every milestone we’ve achieved.”
The DG emphasized that retirement should be viewed as a transition to a new season of impact, pledging the agency’s continued investment in staff welfare, capacity development, and succession planning. “Our retirees have laid the groundwork. It is our duty to preserve and build on that legacy. As we reform and grow, the value we place on people will remain central to our mission,” he stated.
Prof. Anosike also praised the Planning Committee and the Director of Human Resources for their thoughtfulness and execution of the event, noting that such initiatives underscore NiMet’s commitment to a progressive and people-focused work culture.
“This is more than a ceremonial farewell, it is a testament to the kind of institution we are becoming: one that honours service and institutional memory,” he added.
In response, the retirees expressed heartfelt gratitude for the recognition, describing the gesture as both unprecedented and deeply meaningful. Many pledged to continue supporting NiMet’s mission in advisory and mentoring roles, even in retirement.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of plaques, awards, and souvenirs, accompanied by moving tributes from friends, colleagues, and members of the agency’s leadership.
