The Director General National Space Research and Development Agency Dr. Matthew Adepoju has said that the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes, (ACReSAL) project is a testament to the strategic commitment to building a sustainable future for Nigeria.
He made this statement at the NASRDA headquarters in Abuja during the launch of ACReSAL laboratory, a 6-year World Bank assisted project, committed to landscapes restoration in northern Nigeria.
Dr. Adepoju noted that the state of the art facility will enhance NASRDA’s ability to support the ACReSAL project and ensure that agricultural landscapes are resilient and being managed wisely.
He assured that the sustainability of the project is guaranteed under the care of the Space Agency, adding that NASRDA will deliver all the components and exceed the expectation of ACReSAL, making sure all requests are handled and attended to appropriately.
The National Project Coordinator, ACReSAL, Alhaji Abdulhamid Umar, who emphasized that the outcome of the project is overwhelmingly impressive, said ACReSAL is delighted to partner with NASRDA in a symbiotic relationship that will benefit all parties involved.
He said, the launch of ACReSAL laboratory is a classic demonstration of the deliverables that ‘Component C’ of the project, speaks to, adding that the infrastructure was excellently executed.
Alh. Umar however urged members of staff to join hands with the Director General in actualizing the lofty projects and mandate of the Space Agency.
The Desk Officer for ACReSAL Nigeria and Head Strategic Space Application Department of the Agency, Dr. Rakiya Babamaji emphasized that the Space Agency can play a vital role in supporting ACReSAL in achieving its mandate as it has the capacity to handle data processing and give out products that can be used for purposes they are meant for.
The highlight of the event were the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the launch, and a tour of the state-of-the-art ACReSAL laboratory and its facilities.
