Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed enthusiasm and delight on the appointment of Dr. Mathew Adepoju as the Diretor General, National Space Research and Development Agency, (NASRDA).
President Obasanjo made this remark while speaking at the 8th Engineer Brigadier General (Rtd) M.O. Agu. FNSE, annual distinguished lecture and award ceremony held at the headquarters of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja.
The former president who described the NASRDA boss leadership style as purposeful and forward-thinking, said the actualization of the Nigerian Space programme and policy requires visionary and dedicated leadership, as exhibited so far by the incumbent Director General of NASRDA.
The former Nigerian leader explained that it was through an open policy and comprehensive brief by Dr Adepoju that he was privileged to know the progress report on activities of the agency since he left office as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, the idea behind the 25-year road map of the Space Agency was to see how the country can successfully design, build, and launch its satellite using indigenous engineers and scientists on the Nigerian soil.
President Obasanjo who noted with concern the slow pace of the implementation of the road map explained that its effective and immediate implementation would strategically place Nigeria in her rightful position as a key player in the community of space practice.
According to him, the major impediment to the country’s development is the willpower to effectively implement policies and programmes.
Chief Obasanjo advocated the need to review the country’s National life, stating that progress can only be attained on the wheels of taking giant steps as against wishful thinking.
While calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to come together and make meaningful contributions, the former president maintained that this remains the only way the Nigerian space programme can achieve its desired goals and objectives.
In his remarks, the pioneer Director General of NASRDA, and former Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice recalled the successful establishment of the Space Agency as well as the historic launch of its first satellite.
He appreciated the pioneering efforts of former President Obasanjo in establishing NASRDA, adding that the support and commitment of the former Nigerian leader to the space programme was quite inspiring and commendable.
Senator Boroffice therefore called on actors and critical stakeholders in the space ecosystem to support the activities of NASRDA in the actualization of its mandate.
Speaking earlier, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju who was highly elated with the presence of former President Obasanjo, described the occasion as a platform to assemble leaders who can support in taking the Nigerian Space programme to greater heights.
The NASRDA boss stressed the need for result-oriented collaboration with experts and relevant stakeholders in the space industry which according to him will go a long way in redefining the Nigerian Space Agenda for the growth and development of the country.
In her remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mrs Margaret Ogunntala commended the leadership and members of NISEng for sustaining the tradition of using viable platforms to honour experts and stakeholders who have contributed meaningfully to the development of the industry.
According to her, Nigerian Engineers and Scientists have worked tirelessly, launching satellites and collaborating with international Space agencies in advancing the nation’s capacity in satellite technology.
Mrs Ogunntala charged members of the association not to relent in its efforts in the development of the space sector into an enviable status.
In his welcome remarks, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, Dr. Umar Sani Abdullahi described the theme for this year’s annual lecture as a pivotal one to reflect on the country’s significant strides in space technology over the last two decades.
He appreciated the presence of dignitaries, especially the Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whom he described as a great nationalist.
The 8th Engineer Brigadier General (Rtd) M.O. Agu annual lecture is an annual lecture organized by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers.
This year’s lecture witnessed the presence of the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who visited NASRDA last in the year 2007 while he was still serving in office.
Below are pictures from the event for your viewing pleasure.
Monica Jiya,Media and Corporate Communications.
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