As the cosmic calendar turns its page from 2025 to 2026, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) stands tall among the stars, having navigated turbulence and emerged with remarkable achievements. In the vast constellation of Nigeria’s scientific and technological progress, NASRDA under Dr Matthew Adepoju shines as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and excellence.
Despite numerous challenges, every department, centre, and laboratory of the Agency has contributed their brilliance to the collective success recorded in 2025. Each staff member has been a vital star in our galaxy of progress, ensuring that NASRDA continues to orbit steadily on the trajectory of national development.
The year 2025 was, in many ways, a cosmic voyage for the Agency, a journey through turbulence and triumph. Like a spacecraft navigating gravitational pulls and solar winds, the Agency faced challenges like any other organisations. Yet, through resilience and collective brilliance, NASRDA not only maintained its orbit but expanded its constellation of achievements. Success in 2025 was not accidental; it was the product of vision, discipline, and the unwavering belief that Nigeria’s destiny among the stars is inevitable. As Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” NASRDA’s excellence in 2025 was the habit of its people, departments, centres, and laboratories.
Philosophically, the triumphs of 2025 remind us that progress in space science mirrors the human condition: to rise above limitations and embrace the infinite. Each satellite launched, each research milestone achieved, was a metaphor for humanity’s eternal quest to transcend boundaries. The Agency’s success was a testament to the truth that, as Carl Sagan observed, “Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still.” NASRDA wandered boldly into the unknown and returned with discoveries that strengthened Nigeria’s place in the global space community.
Looking ahead, 2026 beckons with promises of brighter horizons. The approval for additional satellites is not merely a technical achievement; it is symbolic of Nigeria’s expanding orbit in the universe of innovation.
Better days lie ahead because the Agency has proven that challenges are but cosmic dust — obstacles that can be dispersed by the propulsion of collective will. The trajectory is upward, and the stars ahead are brighter than those behind. As the philosopher Seneca reminds us, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” NASRDA is prepared, and the opportunities of 2026 will surely transform into luck, progress, and greatness.
Thus, the success of 2025 is both a foundation and a launchpad. It is the ignition sequence for a future where NASRDA’s name will be etched among the galaxies of history. The Agency must continue to rededicate itself to excellence, for the universe rewards persistence. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” NASRDA has gone far, and in 2026, it will go farther still — into new orbits of discovery, innovation, and national pride.
We acknowledge with profound gratitude the unwavering support of the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose approval for the launch of additional new satellites has expanded our horizons and strengthened Nigeria’s presence in the global space community. His vision has given NASRDA the propulsion needed to soar higher. We remain eternally grateful to our amiable and dynamic Mr President.
We equally extend heartfelt appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, whose passion and steadfast support since assumption of office have ignited renewed energy within the Agency. His commitment has been the gravitational force keeping our mission aligned with national priorities.
We profoundly appreciate the Honourable Minister for making NASRDA his very first port of call and, indeed, the only agency he has visited since assuming office. This singular act is more than a gesture; it is a demonstration of love, confidence, and recognition of the vital role NASRDA plays in Nigeria’s scientific and technological advancement. In the cosmic language of progress, his visit was like a guiding star, affirming that our orbit is aligned with national priorities and that our mission is worthy of his immediate attention.
Yet, beyond appreciation, we recognize this as a challenge — a call to rise higher, to prove ourselves worthy of the trust and passion he has invested in us. His presence has ignited a new propulsion within the Agency, reminding us that loyalty, discipline, and excellence must remain our daily fuel.
At the heart of NASRDA’s orbit is our very energetic and resourceful Director General, Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju. His leadership has repositioned the Agency on the right track of progress and development.
History will continue to remember him for the milestones achieved under his stewardship, for he has charted a course that future generations will follow with pride.
Dr. Matthew Adepoju’s leadership has been like the steady hand of a cosmic navigator, guiding NASRDA’s spacecraft through turbulent atmospheres into clearer orbits of progress. His vision has functioned as both compass and propulsion, repositioning the Agency on a trajectory where excellence is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
In the constellation of Nigeria’s scientific advancement, his stewardship has been the bright star ensuring that NASRDA’s mission remains aligned with national development. As Plato once reflected, “The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.” Under Dr. Adepoju, NASRDA has been educated in resilience, innovation, and purpose, and its future is luminous.
As we cross into the new year, we wish him continued strength and wisdom, for the universe rewards leaders who dare to dream beyond the horizon. May his orbit in 2026 be filled with greater discoveries, deeper impact, and enduring legacy.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Dr. Adepoju has left trails of progress that history will remember, and NASRDA’s journey under his guidance promises even brighter galaxies ahead.
To my dearest colleagues- Directors of the Agency, we express deep gratitude for your cooperation, support, and commitment to excellence. Your collective wisdom has been the guiding stars ensuring that NASRDA’s constellation remains bright and purposeful.
We are like the stabilizing thrusters of a spacecraft without our consistent dedication, discipline, unity, and loyalty, the Agency cannot maintain its orbit of progress.
Philosophically, we as Directors embody the principle that greatness is never the product of isolated effort but of collective harmony. Just as the planets revolve in perfect balance around the sun, so too must we align ourselves with the vision of the Director General, ensuring that every initiative is propelled by shared purpose. In the words of Marcus Aurelius, “What we do now echoes in eternity.” Our daily commitment is not just for the present but for the legacy of NASRDA’s future.
Unity among us is the gravitational force that keeps the Agency’s constellation intact. Discipline is the trajectory that prevents deviation, while loyalty is the fuel that sustains the mission. We are catalysts of progress, transforming vision into reality, and must be ever ready to support the Director General’s leadership with unwavering resolve.
As Lao Tzu reminds us, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” By standing firmly behind the Dr Matthew Adepoju, we ensure that NASRDA’s journey into 2026 and beyond remains a collective triumph, a symphony of excellence resonating across Nigeria’s space frontier.
Special appreciation goes to my staff in the Media and Corporate Communication Department — at the Headquarters, Office of the Director General, Centres, and Laboratories.
Your tireless efforts in disseminating the Agency’s programmes and activities have amplified our voice across the nation and beyond. You have been the communicators of our cosmic story, and we charge you not to relent. The tasks ahead in 2026 are many, but together, we shall accomplish them.
At this juncture, may I extend heartfelt congratulations to various stars in the Department of Media and Corporate Communication in 2025- Kaneng Dagyeng, Monica Jiya, Joy Opaluwa, Daniel Abdullahi, and Kennedy Kachalla (CSTD) for distinguishing themselves and qualifying for the departmental media awards. In the constellation of NASRDA’s communication galaxy, you have shone brightly, proving that dedication and creativity can illuminate even the darkest corners of challenge. Your achievements are not just personal triumphs but collective victories, affirming that when words are crafted with discipline and disseminated with passion, they become powerful satellites orbiting the truth and progress of our Agency. As Marcus Aurelius once said, “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” Your thoughts, translated into professional media work, have greatly supported in making NASRDA’s story resonate far and wide.
As a renowned media practitioner and multiple award-winning journalist, I must emphasize that excellence, discipline, hard work, and professionalism are the gravitational forces that sustain any recognition from me. Awards are not given cheaply; they are earned through daily consistency, from January to December, with no compromise.
The 2026 awards will come with greater benefits, but they will demand even higher levels of commitment. Just as a spacecraft must fire its thrusters continuously to remain in orbit, so too must you work tirelessly and professionally to sustain your place among the stars of NASRDA’s media excellence. In the words of Confucius, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” May you as communicators continue to unlock those doors and inspire others to follow your shining trail.
And to my dearest colleagues, the entire staff of the Agency at the headquarters, Centres and Laboratories, as we welcome the new year, let us rededicate ourselves as members of staff of this great domain (NASRDA) to excellence and productivity.
The universe rewards persistence, and greatness is achieved not by chance but by consistent effort. As the philosopher Seneca once said, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult.” Let us dare greatly in 2026.
In the words of Carl Sagan, “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.” NASRDA’s mission is to uncover that incredible truth for Nigeria and humanity.
Together, let us continue to reach for the stars, for in doing so, we secure the greatness and overall development of our Agency, our nation, and our future.
Happy New Year to you all !!!
Written by: DR FELIX BABATUNDE ALE
Comments
Post a Comment