President Goodluck Jonathan has named the members of the National Space Council.A statement from the presidency said the members include The President – Chairman, Vice-President – Deputy Chairman,Minister of Science & Technology, Minister of Communication Technology,Minister of Education,Minister of Defence,Minister of Interior,Minister of National Planning,Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice.Others include Professor Elijah Mshelia,Professor Vincent Olunloyo,Professor Francesca N. Okeke and Director-General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASDRA)
In his remarks at the inauguration of the National Space Council President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, said“Two years ago, that is 2011, our nation’s space programme witnessed unprecedented developments. It was a year in which some of the major objectives which informed the establishment of the National Space and Development Agency were accomplished.
“ Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I refer in particular to the mandate to develop satellite technology for various applications; operationalise indigenous space systems for providing space services; and the launch of satellites.
He recalled that the year 2011 saw the launch of two earth observation satellites one of which, NigeriaSat-X, was designed and built by Nigerian engineers and scientists. This is a feat worthy of celebration!
Jonathan said the National Space Council is the apex body charged with the responsibility of developing policy guidelines for our activities in Space. It also has the vital role of monitoring the implementation of the National Space Programme.
“In reiterating our Administration’s unwavering commitment to the actualisation of the definitive goal of our space programme, I would like to charge the members of the Space Council to evolve ways of enabling the country maximally benefit from our huge investments in the development of space technology.
“Given the critical place of space technology in the areas of national security, communications, industrialisation and sustained socio-economic development, the critical need to properly structure and drive our national space programme cannot be over-emphasised. This informs why our Administration has constituted this Council with high calibre membership.
“We must evolve clear cut initiatives that will not only fast-track our industrialisation process, but one that will also see us, within the shortest possible period, able to build our own motor vehicles, our own boats, and our own aircraft; and of course, launch our own satellite manufactured in Nigeria from a launch site in Nigeria on a launch vehicle made in Nigeria.
This is a challenge not only to the members of the Council, but to all Nigerians. We should rededicate ourselves to building a better, technologically advanced, stable and prosperous Nigeria for our children,Jonathan said.