Experts in the space arena have stressed the importance of maximizing space technology in driving developments in the different sectors of Nigeria’s economy in the post-Covid-19 era.
These discussions became necessary as the essence of space science and technology got recognized in driving socio-economic development irrespective of the Covid Pandemic.
Speaking at the 2021 Space Dialogue/ National Media Conference on Space Science, Technology and Innovation, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, represented by the Minister of State, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi, emphasized Space technology as a robust contributor in the area of Agriculture, weather and many more.
“space science and technology continues to remain a viable option and focus on research and innovation to combat challenges faced by man and thereby providing lasting solutions to many of the problems facing human resistance across the globe” he said.
The Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency NASRDA Dr. Halilu Shaba emphasized the need to engage stakeholders and the media in the reportage of how effective space science and technology can be utilized for achieving set goals, especially in the post-Covid-19 era.
“We are still committed and on the right path to our twenty-five years roadmap as approved by the Federal Executive Council.
Therefore we will not relent nor rest on our oars as the agency continues to train and retrain her scientists and engineers to focus on acquiring knowledge that focuses on cutting edge research problems for the overall socio-economic development of our beloved nation”. He said.
In his keynote address, the commandant, National Defence College of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Oladele Daji sensitized on the need to maximize space science, technology, and innovation to enhance human security in the country in the post-Covid-19 era.
“Human security of citizens across the globe has been seriously interrupted by the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic”.
“Fortunately for the world, space science, technology, and innovations have come to our rescue by enabling digital services across all facets of life,” He said.
Decorated as the Ambassador of space at the event, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu explained that with the spread of Covid infections, the space technology offered advantages for the public in going about their basic activities of life with the help of the terrestrial which the space has offered.
“How blessed we are as a nation that we have confident and capable professionals men and women in various institutions doing great work that needs to be known and needs to be encouraged, and partnerships between the private sector and the agencies as well other professional institutions that are helping in Nigeria’s space programs will produce more benefits quicker and faster whether it is in health, agriculture and education”.
“The example that is quite often is that with Covid many people are doing online classes. One can imagine the tragedy that would have befallen the world if there was no opportunity for communicating via satellite” Bagudu said.
The 2021 Space Dialogue/National Media Conference on Space science, Technology and Innovation was with the theme “effective utilization, promotion, and reporting of space science, technology and innovation in post-Covid 19 era”.
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