By Isaiah Eka
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has tasked the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to develop satellite technology that will assist security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country.
Eno said this on Tuesday in his remarks at the ongoing 3-day National Space Research and Development Agency retreat for top management staff in Uyo.
The Governor, represented by her Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, added that the NASRDA satellite when developed could be used to check the menace of internet fraud in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the retreat is; “NASRDA Beyond The Horizon: Building A Resilient Workforce For Space Economy And National Security.”
He noted that the world was advancing at the speed of light and therefore NASRDA should work hard towards developing expertise to register Nigeria’s footprints in the global digital and technological space.
“As our nation grapples with security challenges, satellite technology developed by your organisation can assist our security agencies in surveillance, intelligence gathering and tracking of bandits, kidnappers and insurgents.
“Even the menace of internet fraud can be reasonably curbed through the research efforts of NASRDA. This is how important your agency is, to national development.
“Since the modern world is advancing at the speed of light, it behoves NASRDA to consciously work hard towards developing local expertise which will help to register Nigeria’s footprints in the global digital and technological space.
“Thus accelerating national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Eno said.
Eno said the theme of the retreat underscored the high premium NASRDA placed on the quality of its human capital and its recognition of the indispensable role of the staff in the actualisation of its mandate.
He commended the Director General of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, for the innovation and professional expertise brought to the agency since assumption of office.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, urged private sector to involve in space technology development as there were ample opportunities for development.
Nnaji, represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr Robert Ngwu, said the retreat should mark a new beginning in NASRDA and a moment to recalibrate, retool, and reimagine the Agency’s path in line with global space economy trends.
“Our Ministry is proud of the progress NASRDA has made despite enormous challenges, and even more proud of your commitment to building a resilient and future-ready workforce.
“As your supervising Ministry, we are committed to supporting your efforts through policy reforms, talent development, and strategic investment partnerships that will unlock the vast potential of our space ecosystem,” Nnaji said.
The minister said the theme of the retreat was both timely and visionary as it signaled a renewed sense of purpose and a clear alignment with the aspirations of Mr President to position Nigeria as a frontier nation in innovation, science, and technology.
Earlier in his remarks, the DG of NASRDA, Adepoju said the retreat was organised to equip top management personnel of the vision and aspirations of the agency in the next 25 years.
Adepoju said the agency had come a long way in the last 25 years, and would want management to be in tandem with the vision of the NASRDA to move the agency forward.
He said the agency would ensure the nation’s satellite is launched into space very soon.
“This retreat is one of the critical success factor of any organisation. Organisation that leadership is not in tandem with directors who sees in the implementation of the policies, that organisation will not go far at all.
“That’s why we said, let us come together let us examine the journey thus far.
“Just last year, NASRDA celebrated 25 years in space and we are starting another 25 years, we want to set the future right.
“We want our aspiration to be understood by everyone of us, who are leading strategic leadership,” he said. NAN
