In collaboration with the Southeast Zonal Advanced Space Technology Applications Laboratory (ZASTAL), National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, the Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) have arranged a one-day seminar on Space Technology Promotion.
The main goals of the seminar, “Space Technology Applications,” were to highlight the benefits and advancements of space technology through educational initiatives and public outreach events organized in partnership with industry participants, and to stimulate innovation and awareness regarding the significance of space technology applications in the country’s industrial development.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Sunday Elom, who was represented by Engr. Prof. Charles Ezugwu, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, praised the program organizers for their initiative and for hosting such a strategic program at the university, given its likely positive impact on staff and student capacity, while declaring the event open.
According to him, space technology applications support scientific innovation, which has spread throughout the world and produces inventions and innovations through a variety of applications, including environmental monitoring, GPS navigation, satellite communications, and earth observation.
He also advised the attendees to take advantage of the seminar’s chance to broaden their knowledge and increase their competence regarding space technology applications and the advantages these have for industrial growth.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Amedi Shaba, the Director General of NASRDA, praised the university administration for creating an environment that made the program possible. He noted that the goal was to aggressively promote space technology and pursue the achievement of space capabilities.
In addition, he stated that ZASTAL and the university are working together to establish a space technology station for the Southeast within the organization. This station will focus on remote sensing and geographic information systems and will help to foster public-private partnerships that will ultimately lead to sustainable socio-economic development.
The National Space Research and Development Agency’s SE-ZASTAL program is hosted by AE-FUNAI, and the Center is one of Nigeria’s six advanced space applications labs, according to the DG of NASRDA, who was represented by Mr. Andrew Onwusulu, Coordinator, SE-ZASTAL. He added that the centre’s mission is to develop satellite technology for a variety of applications, operationalize indigenous space systems by offering space services, and guarantee that government agencies are in charge of developing and launching satellites. The centre’s mandate also includes promoting the use of remote sensing technology as a strategy for national development.
According to him, the program’s objectives went beyond just using geographic information systems and remote sensing to address unique environmental problems unique to the southeast region of Nigeria. It also aimed to monitor land cover, map the development of a database on natural resources, develop short, hands-on courses on geospatial skills, and promote the advantages of geospatial technologies to the general public and other land users.
Speaking on the topic of “Use of Geospatial Techniques in Health Facilities Mapping and Analysis in Southeastern, Nigeria,” Mr. Ojo Samuel Adebayo explained that the goals are to supply data analysis that can aid in the visualization of intricate patterns and interactions as well as site-select areas that have been mapped out for the distribution of healthcare facilities.
Noting that the study was focused on healthcare facilities distribution and identifying what the public needs and how to help in facilitating and bringing healthcare centres closer to those areas that need government intervention, he continued, saying that accessibility to healthcare services is important to avoid people having to travel long distances in search of healthcare, especially during emergencies.
The goal of the event, according to Mr. Nnaemeka Eze, who also spoke, is to conduct some agricultural land analysis and provide formalized knowledge based on management where expert intervention is needed. Mr. Eze spoke about the Geospatial Approach to the Evaluation of Agricultural Land Dynamics in Ebonyi State.
He also emphasized that in order to promote the nation’s economic diversification, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should be aware of the innovative initiative and how to better comprehend the agronomic perspective.
He argued that the rising demand for agricultural products justifies the need for bold policies and the implementation of more efficient production techniques.
Dr. Moses Obenade, the acting head of the geography department, had earlier than expected in his introductory comments praised the vice-chancellor and the university administration for their support of the department’s expansion and development. He emphasized that although the seminar provided insight into the nation’s issues, it also had the potential to provide solutions for some of them.
As a result, he challenged the attendees to do more to protect the environment and expressed gratitude to them for coming from various colleges and other organizations throughout the nation.
Credit: Allschoolabs, Nairaland
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