Home | Vision/Mission | Functions | Achievement | Prospects | Research/Training | Association | Staff | Contact Us

IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE FOR 2010

The Centre also hosted Task force members and German partners of West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) on the 26th August 2010.Courtesy call was paid to Former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during the visit.
The task team led by Dr Henk van Liempt of the German Ministry of Education and Research,  including 10 other Members from various West African Countries visited the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources to inspect the facilities towards establishment of West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use (WASCAL) following a 3rd Task Force Meeting held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja. The visitors were welcomed to the University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. M.S. Audu who informed the visitors of the total commitment of the University in ensuring the Centre is properly positioned to the success of WASCAL in Nigeria. The University Management led the visitors to pay courtesy visits to the Former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and the representative of the Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu.

Climate Change Related Disaster Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Reduction 3-tier Certificate course (DVARR)
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources organizes 3-tier certificate course which consist of Basic, Advanced and Professional Certificates. The duration of the course is between 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The first set of participants completed their training on the  2nd  of September, 2010 and were awarded the basic certificate. The course which commenced on the 26th of July was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr John Ogar Odeh, who was ably represented by the Head Special Climate Change Unit of the Federal Ministry, Dr Victor Fodeke. Invited guests included the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change (Honourable E.C. Ubani) and his entourage, the Chairman of Commissioners of Environment of the Frontline States. Resource Persons were drawn from across the country to reflect the national mandate of the Centre. Next set of the 3-tier certificate course is expected to commence on February, 2011. Interested participants should click here.

House of Representative Committee on Climate Change Visit
House of Representative Committee on Climate Change visited the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources on 16th March 2010 , expressed delight at the establishment of the Centre about fifteen years ago and stressed on the need for continued collaboration with the centre. The chairman of the House Committee, Hon E. C. Ubani informed management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna that received and welcomed them to the University that their committee is currently working on Climate Change legislation for Nigeria. He further said that the committee was impressed at the participation of the centre at the last international “Regional Workshop on Decision Making Support for Coastal Zone Management, Water Resources and Climate Change in Africa” which was attended by over 30 African countries, including United States, Switzerland, Germany and Britain between 15th -18th February 2010 at Republic of Benin. In this particular workshop despite very limited funding to actualize her mandate since 1995, CCCFR was identified as a success story in terms of sustainability and being an African initiative that has been existing since 1995.

Workshop on Issues of Climate Change and Weather forecast for sustainable Early warning System in Nigeria
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources was represented at the workshop by the Co-ordinator of its Geospatial Analysis Unit organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the 19th February 2010. Effective disaster risk reduction through which sustainable and wide network weather forecast and early warning system was advocated.
Some products presented at the workshop by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) include:
(a)    Seasonal Rainfall prediction and socio-ecnomic implication for Nigeria     Bulletin;
(b)    Annual Climate weather Review Bulletin;
(c)    Quarterly weather Review Bulletin;
(d)    Agro-meteorological Bulletin;
(e)    Hydrological Bulletin;
(f)    Daily Forecast;
(g)    Abuja Weather Warning

Technical Workshop on Climate Change Needs Assessment
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources was represented by the Deputy Director and the Co-ordinator of its Food Security Unit at a Technical workshop on climate change assessment organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment (To which CCCFR serves as a linkage Centre), World Bank and UNDP between 9th -10th February 2010 at World Bank Building in Abuja. In attendance were Energy commission of Nigeria, Nigeria National Petroleum Company, Power Holding Company of Nigeria plc, Related Agencies and other consultants and NGO`s. Issues related to climate change in Nigeria and other possible areas of intervention by the World Bank were discussed as well as the need to generate credible climate change data especially on the contribution of Agricultural activities to Green house Gases was stressed.

IMPORTANT NEWS UPDATE FOR 2009
Workshop on Phase I pilot study of Kainji lake area of Nigeria Tittled:”Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Climate  and Human induced impact on Ecosystem Degradation and Water Resource Management using Remote Sensing Techniques” that held on the  9th July 2009
The workshop was jointly organized by Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources (CCCFR), Federal University of Technology, Minna; National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA); with active participation of the Niger state Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources. The workshop was declared open by the Chief Servant, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, OON (Governor of Niger state) represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Yusuf M. Gunu, in attendance were representatives of the communities within the study area (downstream of Kaiji Dam); Non-Governmental Organisations, UNDP, NEMA, NIPSS, IFRRI, FAAN, NISEPA, NSCDC, FRSC, SEMA, Banks, Security Agencies, Religious leaders, members of the State House of Assembly and Academia.
During the workshop, it was observed that degradation of ecosystem in Kainji lake area is a function of excessive release of water through spillways and the problem of flooding causes a lot of damage on farmlands and people living in the downstream of the lake. Areas susceptible to flood were identified according to severity and benefits of the strategic role of NigeriaSat-1 were highlighted. Other papers presented at the workshop include:
1.      Strategies and policy thrust for reducing impact of disasters (using flood as a case study) on affected communities
2.    Towards a bottom-up approach to developing policy statements on disaster management
3.    Use of Space Technology in disaster management; and
4.    Space technology needs of user community; bridging the disconnect between researchers, end users and decision makers
The pilot project is a continuation of UNESCO, Paris sponsored research activity which  solicited input from the national government through its Agencies, Ministries e.t.c.
The specific objectives of the Workshop were to create awareness on and present the findings of the project; engage and seek all stakeholders to identify and strengthen the focus of a proposed Phase II of the Project; initiate the development of a road map for mainstreaming climate change issues in decision making within the Stakeholder States; and seek the participation of key stakeholders in funding and implementation of the Second Phase of the Project. At the end of the Workshop, the following recommendations were made:
1)    The Governors of the proposed catchment states should be fully involved in funding Phase II of this research work because of the enormous benefits their States stand to gain;
2)    The time-dimension to the flooding of Kainji Lake should be incorporated to determine its severity and frequency as it relates to land-use and climate change;
2)    There is need to generate usable maps for identified vulnerable communities which will provide them vital information of the research findings;
3)    Strategies should be employed for human capital development, poverty reduction and reducing vulnerability to disasters;
4)    Participatory approach should be used in developing an integrated flood management policy that takes into consideration the roles of every section of the society;
5)    An important solution that should be considered is the dredging of reservoirs;
6)    Afforestation programme should be part of the initiatives for combating disasters;
7)    The use of space based technologies such as Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were recommended;
8)    There is need to sensitize and raise awareness at the grass-roots and the immediate communities on the environmental concerns and impacts of their activities;
9)    The findings of the study should be interpreted in a manner that will be accessible to the public; and
10)    There is need for multidisciplinary approach in Phase II of the research for optimum result to be obtained.

Step 2 on Deliberations with Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Abuja on Memorandum of Understanding with the University
After 7 months of waiting, a meeting was finally arranged between NIMET and the University on the draft MoU that was submitted on the 31st July 2008. Deliberations were fruitful and very focused. Amendments were made to the University’s submission and suggestions on improvement for a mutually beneficial MoU. Members of the Committee agreed to meet again in the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources in 25th of March 2009 for the final draft to be produced. To round up the step 2 of MoU preparation with NIMET, the members paid a brief courtesy visit to the Director General and CEO, Dr Anthony Anuforom, who encouraged them to speed up action to ensure that the MoU is signed as soon as possible. The NIMET team was led by Mrs Ogunwale (Director in Charge of Research and Training) while the FUT Minna team was led by Dr A. A. Okhimamhe (Director, Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources) and assisted by Mr Olakunle Akinola of the Directorate of Collaborations Affiliations and Linkages.

Hon. Minister of Environment to incorporate the Centre’s budget in the Ministry’s 2010 Budget
“The Centre’s budget would be included in the 2010 budget of the Ministry”. These were the words of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja, Mr John Odeh. This “music to the ears” of the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources was ‘sung’ when the Vice Chancellor paid a courtesy call on the Minister on Thursday, the 26th of February 2009. During the brief visit, the Vice Chancellor of the University congratulated the Minister on his appointment and presented a speech with major requests that would contribute to the strengthening of CCCFR’s capacity to maintain its role as a Centre of Excellence and Linkage Centre to the Ministry. In addition, he presented the updated report on the Centre’s activities and a letter nominating the Head, Special Climate Change Unit, Dr Victor Fodeke as the Patron (External) to Campus eco-vanguard Society of Nigeria to the Minister. In his response, the Minister also promised to ensure that the Centre is strengthened to perform its mutually beneficial role and encouraged the Centre to step up capacity building in the areas of ecosystem management and Clean Development Mechanism etc that are priority considerations of the Ministry. In attendance were top management staff of the Ministry, Directors of Academic Planning Unit (Prof S.O.E. Sadiku), Collaboration Affiliation and Linkages (Dr M. T. Usman) and Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources (Dr A. A. Okhimamhe), Staff of the Protocol Unit, Audio Visual Centre (Mal Abuja and co) and the Personal Assistant to the Vice Chancellor.

Interaction with Staff of the Embassy of United State
The Centre received visitors from the United State Embassy on the 25th of February 2009. This was a direct outcome of a previous visit by Ambassador Robin Sanders and her entourage to the University Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof M. S. Audu. During the interactive session with Her Excellency, questions were raised and observations made on possibilities of collaboration in various aspects including climate change. On the issue of climate change, she recommended a meeting with the newly created Science and Environment Desk headed by Mr Feleke Assefar. This meeting was organized barely after a week and pertinent issues discussed that led to the interation in the Centre for Climate Change and Gidan Kwano Campus. Despite the Director’s absence due to official outing in Abuja, capable staff of the Centre received the visitors and provided answers to their numerous questions in the presence of the Director, Collaboration Affiliation and Linkages (Dr M. T. Usman); Director, Academic Planning Unit (Prof S.O.E. Sadiku) and the Chairman of Seminar and Colloquiums’ Committee (Dr E. Odensi). The Centre was able to articulate the areas of need to the visitors, who then expressed their appreciation of efforts being made to reposition the Centre.    

Campus Eco-vanguard Society of Nigeria pay courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor
Excitement was in the air as representatives of Campus Ecovanguard Society of Nigeria waited for the Vice Chancellor’s arrival on the morning of 29th January 2009. It was their first official visit to the Grand Patron of the Society, Prof M. S. Audu (FMAN). Led by the Dr A. A. Okhimamhe (Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources), Mr Patrick Adamu (Student Affairs Division) and Miss Mary Ojeniyi (Department of Geography), the members were ushered into the Vice Chancellor’s office. Dr Okhimamhe briefly informed the VC of the purpose of their visit and requested that each member present should introduce themselves.    

Immediately after this quick introduction, each of the members had something to say to the Vice Chancellor. First, they thanked him for his warm reception and for accepting to be the Grand Patron of the Society. This was followed by a summary of the objectives of the Society and the outcome of their recent outing, NIGIMUN 2008 in Abuja. The members informed the VC that 9 outstanding students participated in simulating United Nations delegates or ambassadors during the Nigerian International Model United Nations Conference (NIGIMUN 2008) which held in November, 2008; and returned home with the price of second best school in cultural display as well produced the best student director at the Conference. Afterwards, the Vice Chancellor was presented with his Grand Patron Certificate, a neatly wrapped package containing Honourary Membership Certificates for all members of the University Management, second position award for cultural Display, Campus Eco-vanguard face caps and invitation from the conference organizing committee to participate in the next NIGIMUN Conference in 2009.

The Vice Chancellor, in his response, thanked the Bursar for ensuring that NIGIMUN 2008 was a reality, and the Director of the Centre for the idea of Campus Ecovanguard Society and also informed the group of his love for the environment which led him to approve the establishment of a University Afforestation and Landscaping Committee. He congratulated the members on their successful outing in Abuja and encouraged them to also extend their love of the environment to their studies by striving for excellence and shunning any acts that would bring disrepute to the Society and the University in general. In addition, he assured the members of his personal as well as Management’s support. In attendance was the Bursar of the University, Mr M. A. Bello who was rewarded with a face cap from the Vice Chancellor. Representing Campus Eco-vanguard Society were Femi, Osaze, Jude, Zachariah, Dorcas and Mayowa. The visit ended with a group photograph of all present including staff of information unit and audio visual centre    

On-site Assessment of Ongoing Beautification of Gidan Kwano Campus by Committee on Afforestation and Landscaping
On the 13th of January 2009, the newly approved Committee on Afforestation and Landscaping conducted an on-site assessment of the on beautification of Gidan Kwano Campus. Sites visited to assess the current situation and problems being encountered by the Contractor, ELADECO include the hostels, Clinic, Schools, Students’ Relaxation spots, Senate Building Quadrangle, Ibrahim Babangida Library Complex etc. A similar visit was also conducted in Bosso Campus in December 2008. The major objective of this Committee is to coordinate tree planting and landscaping activities in the University in an attempt ensure that not only is the environment conducive for learning and beautiful to the “eyes” and “mind”, but to contribute towards “slowing down desertification and mitigating the impact of climate change in the long term. Members of the Committee include: Prof M.I.S Ezenwa, Prof (Mrs) S.N. Zubairu, Dr A. A. Okhimamhe, Dr (Mrs) Z. D. Osunde, Representatives of Contractors assigned to beautify the Campus (ELADECO and Yarib Enterprises), Representatives of Works Department and Physical Planning and Development Unit (PPDU) and the Administrative Secretary of the Centre, Mal Bakare.      

Workshop on Phase I pilot study of Kainji lake area of Nigeria Tittled:”Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Climate  and Human induced impact on Ecosystem Degradation and Water Resource Management using Remote Sensing Techniques” that held on the  9th July 2009
The workshop was jointly organized by Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources (CCCFR), Federal University of Technology, Minna; National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA); with active participation of the Niger state Ministry of Environment and Forest Resources. The workshop was declared open by the Chief Servant, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, OON (Governor of Niger state) represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Alhaji Yusuf M. Gunu, in attendance were representatives of the communities within the study area (downstream of Kaiji Dam); Non-Governmental Organisations, UNDP, NEMA, NIPSS, IFRRI, FAAN, NISEPA, NSCDC, FRSC, SEMA, Banks, Security Agencies, Religious leaders, members of the State House of Assembly and Academia.
During the workshop, it was observed that degradation of ecosystem in Kainji lake area is a function of excessive release of water through spillways and the problem of flooding causes a lot of damage on farmlands and people living in the downstream of the lake. Areas susceptible to flood were identified according to severity and benefits of the strategic role of NigeriaSat-1 were highlighted. Other papers presented at the workshop include:
5.    Strategies and policy thrust for reducing impact of disasters (using flood as a case study) on affected communities
6.    Towards a bottom-up approach to developing policy statements on disaster management
7.    Use of Space Technology in disaster management; and
8.    Space technology needs of user community; bridging the disconnect between researchers, end users and decision makers
The pilot project is a continuation of UNESCO, Paris sponsored research activity which  solicited input from the national government through its Agencies, Ministries e.t.c.
The specific objectives of the Workshop were to create awareness on and present the findings of the project; engage and seek all stakeholders to identify and strengthen the focus of a proposed Phase II of the Project; initiate the development of a road map for mainstreaming climate change issues in decision making within the Stakeholder States; and seek the participation of key stakeholders in funding and implementation of the Second Phase of the Project.
At the end of the Workshop, the following recommendations were made:
3)    The Governors of the proposed catchment states should be fully involved in funding Phase II of this research work because of the enormous benefits their States stand to gain;
4)    The time-dimension to the flooding of Kainji Lake should be incorporated to determine its severity and frequency as it relates to land-use and climate change;
3)    There is need to generate usable maps for identified vulnerable communities which will provide them vital information of the research findings;
4)    Strategies should be employed for human capital development, poverty reduction and reducing vulnerability to disasters;
5)    Participatory approach should be used in developing an integrated flood management policy that takes into consideration the roles of every section of the society;
6)    An important solution that should be considered is the dredging of reservoirs;
7)    Afforestation programme should be part of the initiatives for combating disasters;
8)    The use of space based technologies such as Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were recommended;
9)    There is need to sensitize and raise awareness at the grass-roots and the immediate communities on the environmental concerns and impacts of their activities;
10)    The findings of the study should be interpreted in a manner that will be accessible to the public; and
11)    There is need for multidisciplinary approach in Phase II of the research for optimum result to be obtained.

Technical Workshop on Climate change Assessment
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources was represented by the Deputy Director and the Co-ordinator of its Food Security Unit at a Technical workshop on climate change assessment organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment (To which CCCFR serves as a linkage Centre), World Bank and UNDP between 9th -10th February 2010 at World Bank Building in Abuja. In attendance were Energy commission of Nigeria, Nigeria National Petroleum Company, Power Holding Company of Nigeria plc, Related Agencies and other consultants and NGO`s. Issues related to climate change in Nigeria and other possible areas of intervention by the World Bank were discussed as well as the need to generate credible climate change data especially on the contribution of Agricultural activities to Green house Gases was stressed.

Workshop on Issues of Climate Change and Weather forecast for sustainable Early warning System in Nigeria
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources was represented at the workshop by the Co-ordinator of its Geospatial Analysis Unit organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on the 19th February 2010. Effective disaster risk reduction through which sustainable and wide network weather forecast and early warning system was advocated.
Some products presented at the workshop by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) include:
I.    Seasonal Rainfall prediction and socio-ecnomic implication for Nigeria Bulletin
II.   Annual Climate weather Review Bulletin
III.  Quarterly weather Review Bulletin
IV.  Agro-meteorological Bulletin
V.   Hydrological Bulletin
VI.  Daily Forecast
VII. Abuja Weather Warning

House committee on climate change visit
House of Representative Committee on Climate Change visited the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources on 16th March 2010 , expressed delight at the establishment of the Centre about fifteen years ago and stressed on the need for continued collaboration with the centre. The chairman of the House Committee, Hon E. C. Ubani informed management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna that received and welcomed them to the University that their committee is currently working on Climate Change legislation for Nigeria. He further said that the committee was impressed at the participation of the centre at the last international “Regional Workshop on Decision Making Support for Coastal Zone Management, Water Resources and Climate Change in Africa” which was attended by over 30 African countries, including United States, Switzerland, Germany and Britain between 15th -18th February 2010 at Republic of Benin. In this particular workshop despite very limited funding to actualize her mandate since 1995, CCCFR was identified as a success story in terms of sustainability and being an African initiative that has been existing since 1995.

Climate Change Related Disaster Vulnerability Assessment and Risk Reduction 3-tier Certificate course (DVARR)
The Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources organizes 3-tier certificate course which consist of Basic, Advanced and Professional Certificates. The duration of the course is between 6 weeks and 12 weeks. The first set of participants completed their training on the  2nd  of September, 2010 and were awarded the basic certificate. The course which commenced on the 26th of July was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr John Ogar Odeh, who was ably represented by the Head Special Climate Change Unit of the Federal Ministry, Dr John Fodeke. Invited guests included the Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change (Honourable E.C. Ubani) and his entourage, the Chairman of Commissioners of Environment of the Frontline States. Resource Persons were drawn from across the country to reflect the national mandate of the Centre.

Next set of the 3-tier certificate course is expected to commence on November, 2010. Interested participants should click here.

The Centre also hosted Task force members and German partners of West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Management (WASCAL) on the 26th August 2010.Courtesy call was paid to Former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during the visit.
The task team led by Dr Henk van Liempt of the German Ministry of Education and Research,  including 10 other Members from various West African Countries visited the Centre for Climate Change and Freshwater Resources to inspect the facilities towards establishment of West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adaptive Land Use (WASCAL) following a 3rd Task Force Meeting held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja. The visitors were welcomed to the University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. M.S. Audu who informed the visitors of the total commitment of the University in ensuring the Centre is properly positioned to the success of WASCAL in Nigeria. The University Management led the visitors to pay courtesy visits to the Former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and the representative of the Chief Servant of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu.