The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) as an institution with unparalleled expertise and resources, with cutting-edge solutions that can drive the development of any institution or system.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Hon Asiru Idris made this statement during a visit to NASRDA’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Governor Ododo who congratulated Dr. Matthew Adepoju on his recent appointment as Director General, stated emphatically, that Space Technology plays a strategic role in nation building and development of critical sectors of the economy.
He stated that Kogi state’s 32-Year Development Plan, aimed at providing a coherent framework for long-term strategic development and transformation of the State into a robust and viable economy, can only be achieved through the infusion of Space Science and Technology.
He added that the state would be collaborating with the Agency in the areas of Geographic Information System (GIS), Smart Agriculture, Security, Environmental and Disaster Management as well as the Exploration of Natural Resources which abound in the state.
The Kogi State Governor suggested that a technical team be created to develop an action plan, and an MOU be drafted to kick start the process of collaboration as soon as possible.
He expressed optimism over the collaboration pointing the potential it presents for technological advancement.
The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, who applauded the Governor for creating a development plan and seeking technological solutions to the State's challenges, said, no clime can experience meaningful development, particularly in the fourth industrial revolution, without the integration of Space Technology.
Dr. Adepoju stressed that NASRDA is one of the high-end security outfits in Nigeria, with the most potent technology to tackle insecurity and other developmental challenges.
He added, that the Agency as a hub of Innovation, Science and Technology, is crucial to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
The Director General further highlighted the potentials of Kogi State saying, it is among the richest in terms of mineral resources with the highest number of states bordering it which are great assets that could be highly beneficial if properly managed.
The NASRDA Boss assured the visiting team of the Agency's readiness to embark on a mutually beneficial collaboration especially in the areas of Agriculture, Cadastral Mapping, Security and provision of data on solid minerals available in the State.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Procurement Department, Dr. Musa James congratulated Governor Ahmed Ododo on his victory at the recently concluded Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
He said that NASRDA has all the solutions sought after by the Kogi State Government and urged both teams to exchange ideas for the mutual benefits of the state and Nigerian at large.
During his presentation, Deputy Director of Strategic Space Applications, Dr. Jega Idris, provided an overview of NASRDA's journey and the Agency's capabilities from its inception to the present.
He outlined various areas where collaboration with the Agency is possible, particularly emphasizing on the GIS project that took place with the State Government in 2014 and the need to revisit and potentially renew this collaboration.
Below are sights from the event.
Written by: Ninma Yacim
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Zakari
Media and Corporate Communications NASRDA.
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