The Director General and Chief Executive, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju has advocated for the development of a comprehensive space based early warning system aimed at mitigating the effects of natural and other forms of disasters in the country.
He said this while receiving a delegation from the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, led by it’s Acting Director General at the NASRDA’S Headquarters in Abuja .
Dr Adepoju who expressed enthusiasm over the visit, assured the management of FEMA that the Space Agency will play a very strategic role of supporting the organization in efforts aimed at decreasing the effects of natural disasters through the deployment of its space based capabilities in early warning signals and responses.
According to him, the Space Agency will continue to open its doors in the spirit of collaboration to relevant stakeholders and government agencies in ensuring lives and properties of Nigerians are protected and our economic development is not truncated.
The NASRDA boss who commended the achievements and developmental strides of the FCT Minister , His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, added that there must always be a synergy between an organization’s outlook and approach towards achieving its set objectives.
Dr Adepoju while assuring the visiting delegation of the Agency’s willingness to grant their plea, pledged NASRDA’S commitment towards developing a Geospatial base that can aid the adequate and effective distribution of relief materials to the right places and people who actually deserve them as against the practice associated with procedural inadequacies, lopsidedness which has been the order of the day.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Director General, FEMA, Engineer Abdulrahman Mohammed appreciated the Management and Staff of NASRDA for the warm welcome, describing the Space Agency as a hub for innovation in Space Science and Technology.
According to him, NASRDA boasts of potentials and capabilities to provide solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting the Nigerian society, hence the need for FEMA to seek collaboration with the Space Agency.
Engineer Mohammad explained that FEMA is mandated to coordinate and manage disaster response, reduce risks, and ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Abuja.
He added that FEMA’s services encompass emergency management, disaster risk reduction, search and rescue, relief and rehabilitation , trauma management as well as employing strategies that are aimed at mitigating the impact of disasters on lives and properties.
Engineer Mohammed appealed for collaboration with NASRDA in the areas of providing satellite imagery for disaster monitoring and risk mapping, development of early warning systems, Geospatial Information Systems and Emergency Communication support .
He further appealed for collaboration in the development of drones and UAV’s for damage assessment, search and rescue, capacity building and training, research innovation and development as well as public awareness campaigns.
The synergy between NASRDA and FEMA will provide a formidable platform that will enhance disaster management efforts by leveraging on NASRDA’S advanced satellite technology, Geospatial tools and communication systems that can significantly improve on the operations of FEMA thereby mitigating the effects of disasters and saving the lives and properties of Nigerians.
Below are pictures from the visit:
Daniel Abdullahi
