Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed enthusiasm and delight at the appointment of Dr. Mathew Adepoju as the director-general of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
A statement by the director of media and corporate communications at NASRDA, Dr. Felix Ale said that Obasanjo made the remark during the 8th Engr. Brig. Gen. (Rtd) M.O. Agu, FNSE, annual distinguished lecture and award ceremony, held at the NASRDA headquarters in Abuja.
The former president, who described the NASRDA boss’s leadership style as purposeful and forward-thinking, said that actualising Nigeria’s space programme and policy requires visionary and dedicated leadership, as exhibited thus far by the incumbent director-general of NASRDA.
Obasanjo explained that it was through an open policy and comprehensive briefing by Adepoju that he was privileged to learn of the agency’s progress since he left office as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to him, the idea behind NASRDA’s 25-year road map was to enable the country to successfully design, build and launch its own satellite using indigenous engineers and scientists on Nigerian soil.
Obasanjo, who expressed concern over the slow pace of the road map’s implementation, emphasised that its effective and immediate execution would strategically place Nigeria as a key player in the global space community.
He noted that the major impediment to the country’s development is the lack of willpower to effectively implement policies and programmes.
Obasanjo advocated for a review of the country’s national life, stating that progress can only be achieved through decisive action, not wishful thinking.
While calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to unite and make meaningful contributions, the former president stressed that this is 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, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, recalled the successful establishment of the space agency and the historic launch of its first satellite.
He appreciated Obasanjo’s pioneering efforts in establishing NASRDA, adding that the former president’s support and commitment to the space programme remained inspiring and commendable.
Boroffice called on key actors and stakeholders in the space ecosystem to support NASRDA in achieving its mandate.
Earlier, the director-general of NASRDA, who was elated by Obasanjo’s presence, described the event as a “platform to bring together leaders who can help elevate Nigeria’s space programme to greater heights.”
Adepoju stressed the need for results-oriented collaboration with experts and relevant stakeholders in the space industry, which he believes will significantly redefine Nigeria’s space agenda for the country’s growth and development.
He also commended the current administration, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, for its commitment to the success of Nigeria’s space program.
Adepoju announced that President Tinubu has approved the launch of several satellites for the agency.
He explained that Tinubu’s approval of these satellite launches demonstrates his commitment to advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure, aligning with the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
In her remarks, the national president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Oguntala commended the leadership and members of the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers (NISEng) for sustaining the tradition of using viable platforms to honour experts and stakeholders who have significantly contributed to the industry’s development.
According to her, Nigerian engineers and scientists have worked tirelessly, launching satellites and collaborating with international space agencies to advance the nation’s capacity in satellite technology.
Oguntala urged members of the association not to relent in their efforts to elevate the space sector to enviable status.
In his welcome address, the national chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers, Dr. Umar Abdullahi, described this year’s lecture theme as pivotal in reflecting on the country’s significant strides in space technology over the last two decades.
He expressed his gratitude for the presence of dignitaries, especially former President Obasanjo, whom he described as a great nationalist.
