Ahead of the 10th AfriGEO Symposium in Abuja, participants have taken part in a pre-opening capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening skills in artificial intelligence, proposal development and the effective use of Earth observation datasets.
The programme, held at the Defence Space Administration Headquarters, Abuja, drew experts, researchers, policymakers and space professionals from Africa and the world.
The 10th AfriGEO Symposium is being hosted by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in collaboration with the Defence Space Administration (DSA), and other strategic partners.
With the theme, Earth Observation for a Resilient Africa, the symposium focuses on the application of Earth observation technologies to climate monitoring, agriculture, environmental management, disaster response, urban and sustainable development.
Speaking during the programme, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Professor Matthew Adepoju, described Earth observation as an important tool for informed decision-making and sustainable national development.
Professor Adepoju urged African countries to move beyond being consumers of space-derived information by building the technical capacity required to develop and apply space technologies in addressing local challenges.
He reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to research, innovation, human capital development and strategic partnerships capable of translating satellite data into practical benefits for Nigerians and Africans.
The Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, represented by Brigadier General Ahmad, noted that space-based capabilities have become increasingly important to national security, disaster management, environmental monitoring as well as sustainable development.
Major General Ilodibia called for stronger cooperation among government agencies, defence institutions, researchers and other stakeholders, saying such partnerships would help build the skills needed to make better use of Earth observation technology for national security and development.
In his welcome address, the Director, Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, Dr. Godstime James, said the capacity-building programme was designed to improve participants’ competence in artificial intelligence, proposal development and the effective utilisation of datasets.
Also speaking, the Director of Capacity Building, AfriGEO Secretariat, Dr. Julius Gidohi, stressed the need for continuous training, skill development and knowledge transfer in strengthening Nigeria’s space science and technology workforce.
The symposium is expected to deepen cooperation among African countries, promote innovation and encourage the development of practical Earth observation solutions for a safer and more resilient continent, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in Africa’s space sector.
Below are pictures from the event.
Reporter: Daniel Mboyi
Editor: Joy Atama-Opaluwa
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
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