The Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Matthew Adepoju, has stated that royal fathers, as custodians of culture, community wisdom, and grassroots influence, play a strategic role in shaping public opinion and driving national development.
He made the statement while receiving the Oloni of Eti-Oni town in Osun state and his delegations at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Adepoju explained that traditional institutions remain deeply connected to the people, and this makes them crucial representatives in promoting awareness, fostering community participation, and ensuring that the benefits of Space Technology reaches every level of the society.
According to him, when royal fathers lend their expertise, advocacy, and leadership, national initiatives especially in science and technology gain stronger acceptance and impact.
The NASRDA Boss emphasized the importance of training, capacity building and satellite integration in geological activities, noting that such initiatives will cut human labour, improve efficiency and deliver precision results.
In his presentation titled “The Nigeria Space Programme: The Journey So Far,” Dr. Adepoju highlighted achievements of the Space Agency and its Centres of Excellence across the geopolitical zones, saying, ongoing projects are aimed at supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
He reaffirmed that the Agency’s mission remains aligned with the nation’s long-term development agenda, adding that NASRDA is ready to collaborate on mutually beneficial initiatives that will strengthen Nigeria’s space programme and promote broader national progress.
In his remarks, the Oloni of Eti-Oni town, Oba Dokun Thompson while commending NASRDA’s remarkable strides in the global space ecosystem, said although many assume Nigeria is far from space advancement, the Space Agency’s accomplishments prove otherwise.
He appreciated the NASRDA Boss for his warm reception, noting that the agency is in capable hands with Dr. Adepoju as the helmsman.
The traditional ruler emphasized the dynamism of culture as a driver of development and affirmed that NASRDA possesses the unique capability and capacity to deliver world-class outcomes.
In his contribution, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), Dr. Charles Akinola, highlighted the transformative potential of space technology in regional development.
He noted that data from satellites and other space-based tools could greatly enhance planning and decision-making in areas such as agriculture, water resources, and infrastructure across the South-West region.
Dr. Akinola emphasized that the commission under his leadership is committed to collaborating with NASRDA to leverage space technology for targeted interventions that improve livelihoods, promote sustainable development, and strengthen the socio-economic resilience of communities in the South-West.
Below are pictures from the visit.
Reporter: Grace Jacob
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Media and Corporate Communications.
