By Joel Onuoha
The Federal Government has laid a foundation stone for building an advanced Space Technology Application Laboratory for the South-East zone in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ikwo local government area of Ebonyi State.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology, who performed the ground breaking ceremony of the centre in the state, said it was in the efforts of the government to strengthen national development.
Onu said the nation’s investments in space science and technology was a clear commitment in the pursuit of national agenda that would enhance the quality of lives of the people.
“The ministry is committed to the development and deployment of Science and technology apparatus to enhance the space of socio-economic development of the country through appropriate technological inputs into productive activities.
“The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is one of the parastatals responsible for the actualisation of these missions and objectives,” Onu said.
The minister noted that the exploration and exploitation of Space resources stood out as unique factor in the realisation of accelerated socio-economic development.
“This Laboratory, when completed and adequately equipped will provide conducive environment for scientific research to take place.
“The centre will be of immense benefits to the University, environmental researchers, security agencies not only in the south east but the country at large,” the minister explained.
On the completion of the project, Onu said, it would be ready within a period of two years.
Dr Francis Dubem-Chizea, Acting Director-General of NASRDA commended the federal government on space science and technology development in the country.
According to Dubem-Chizea, there is no gain saying the fact that space science and technology has yielded immense benefits that have significantly improved human lives.
“It has proved wide range of solutions to complex poverty eradication, environmental protection, agricultural development, disaster management in addition to an array of other applications.
“This centre is a focal point to advance the use of Geospatial technology for geographical information especially in the south Eastern Nigeria,” he said.
Prof Chinedum Nwajiuba, Vice-Chancellor, Alex-Ekwueme Federal University thanked the federal government for choosing the school in Ebonyi for the project in the South East.
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