TARABA ACReSAL TRAINS DESK OFFICERS ON CLIMATE DATA USE FOR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

TARABA ACReSAL TRAINS DESK OFFICERS ON CLIMATE DATA USE FOR EARLY WARNING SYSTEM

September 10, 2026

The Taraba State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project has trained Desk Officers on the effective use of climate and weather data to strengthen early warning systems and disaster preparedness across the state.

The one-day capacity-building programme targeted Desk Officers attached to Automated Weather Stations in Jalingo and Lau Local Government Areas, as well as representatives of three line ministries and staff of the State Project Management Unit (SPMU).

The training is part of ACReSAL’s efforts to improve climate-data collection, reporting and utilisation while strengthening the state’s capacity to anticipate and respond to climate-related disasters, particularly flooding.

Declaring the training open, the Taraba ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Dr. Yakubu Giwa Clement, represented by the Environmental Safeguard Officer, Alhaji Dahiru Umar, urged participants to put the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme into practical use.

He said the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of Desk Officers in climate-data management and reporting, while appreciating the Taraba State Government and the three line ministries for their continued support for the project.

Speaking during the programme, the Land Restoration Officer and Desk Officer for Climate Change, Mr. Butu Julius, said ACReSAL had recorded another significant milestone with the installation of two Automated Weather Stations and a flood early warning system in Taraba State.

According to him, the facilities will contribute significantly to land restoration, environmental management, agricultural planning and disaster preparedness.

He stressed that access to reliable climate information is no longer merely a planning tool but an important resource for protecting communities and saving lives.

Julius commended the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat AbdulAziz Barde, and the leadership of Dr. Clement for their roles in advancing the initiative.

Also speaking, the Lead Consultant of RHOCOM Technology Ltd, Dr. James Ijampy Adamu, emphasised the importance of detecting climate and environmental threats before they escalate into emergencies.

He commended the Taraba State Government for providing the two Automated Weather Stations, noting that the facilities would enhance the collection and reporting of accurate weather and climate information.

As part of its support for the initiative, RHOCOM Technology Ltd donated 10 mobile phones to Taraba ACReSAL to strengthen field reporting, documentation and communication under the early warning system.

In his vote of thanks, the project’s MIS Officer, Mr. Ishaya Danjuma, appreciated the participants for attending the training and urged them to make effective use of the knowledge acquired.

With the installation of the Automated Weather Stations, flood early warning system and the training of relevant personnel, Taraba ACReSAL says the state is better positioned to collect reliable climate information, issue timely warnings and respond more effectively to flooding and other climate-related threats facing vulnerable communities