The Director General and Chief Executive of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Prof. Matthew Adepoju, has received the 2026 Heroes of Nigerian Democracy, Culture and National Development Award in recognition of his contributions to national development and the advancement of Nigeria’s space sector.

The prestigious award was presented during the 66th Nigeria’s Democracy Lecture organised by STECH-P Education Limited, with the theme, “Politics, Governance and the Impact of Leadership in Nigeria’s Democracy, Culture and National Development.”

The recognition highlights the growing importance of visionary leadership, effective governance and strategic institutional contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in harnessing science, technology and innovation as drivers of national transformation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Director General was the Agency’s Director, Space Regulation and Spectrum Management, Dr. Sikiru Aiyeola, who subsequently presented the award to Prof. Adepoju during the Agency’s Management Meeting.

The presentation provided an opportunity for the members of the Management team to celebrate the recognition and reaffirm their collective commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to leverage space science and technology for sustainable national development.

Prof. Adepoju, since assuming office as Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, has continued to champion strategic partnerships, institutional development and initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global space ecosystem.

Below are pictures from the presentation.

Reporter: Alexandra Oladipo
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Editor: Joy Atama-Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications.