The NIGCOMSAT Satellite Week 2024 began with the arrival of dignitaries from the satellite and business community as well top government functionaries has ended on a high note at the capital city of Nigeria. Abuja last week
In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director, Jane Egerton Idehen, appreciated all the guests present, highlighted the importance of communications satellites, which according to her, will aid national sovereignty, defence and development contrary to challenges of last mile connectivity with fibre.
Representative of the Minister of Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and Director of ICT, Engr. Samuel Okoye, in his address draw attention to the recent nationwide training of over 2,000 Nigerian Youths on VSAT and TVRO by NIGCOMSAT, which resulted in the self-employment. He opined that the goal of the Stakeholder’s Forum is to form partnership to foster satellite communication in Nigeria.
At the end of which the Head of Marketing & Stakeholders’ Engagement, Olufunke Fagbeja presented the NIGCOMSAT’s Strategic Blueprint which outlines solutions across five key pillars namely: Strategy, Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnerships/Innovation, Organisation, People and Culture, and Branding and Communication
NIGCOMSAT Satellite Week 2024 was part of the ongoing efforts of the management and government of Nigeria to create awareness of educate Nigerians on the relevance of satellites, especially communications satellites to Nigerians
Other highlights of the stakeholders event was the The NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Demo held which showcased innovation and entrepreneurship potentials of 13 brilliant startups all of which took the stage to pitch their solutions, vying for the top spots and cash prizes.
One of the high points of the Stakeholders’ Forum at the just-concluded Nigerian Satellite Week were the panel discussions. The first panel which focused on “Satellite as a Bridge to Digital Economy,” featured CEOs of major players in the Nigerian ICT and Communications sectors.
The Panelists were Dr. Matthew Adepoju, DG of National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Mr. Charles Ebube, DG of National Broadcasting Commission, NBC , as well as Dr. Armstrong Takang of the Fedral Ministry of Finance Nigeria Incororated who was represented by the Executive Director, Investment Management, Dr. Ibrahim Kana,
Also, on the panel include the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defense , Mal. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA , who was represented by Mr. Preye Itonyo, Deputy Director IT Infrastructure Solutions, and Dr Sunusi Dalhatu, Deputy Director, Frequency Services Spectrum Management of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.
The panel was moderated by Engr. Shola Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Tetconsult. The speakers emphasised that satellites provide a resilient backbone for the digital economy, fostering innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development across regions. They concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities for all.
The panel provided insightful discussions on the transformative power of satellite technology in advancing global sustainability goals. The experts highlighted how communications satellites are crucial for improving access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, particularly in remote and underserved regions.; and called for increased investment in satellite infrastructure to foster digital inclusion and drive sustainable growth.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite NIGCOMSAT Ms. Egerton reaffirm the commitment of the government towards replacing the aging NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite. She stated this during the press conference marking the beginning of the satellite week. She reiterated the importance eof satellites towards advancing the Nigerian digital future.