The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Thursday awarded Kebbi State Governor, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu as the first National Space Ambassador.
Bagudu was conferred with the award at the 2021 Space Dialogue/National Media Conference on Space Science, Technology and Innovation organised by the agency in Abuja.
The theme of the conference is “Effective Utilisation, Promotion and Reporting of Space Science, Technology and Innovation in Post COVID-19 Era”.
The governor was awarded for his support towards the development of space science and technology in his state, especially in boosting agricultural activities.
Responding after receiving the award, Bagudu said he would galvanise other states to collaborate with the space agency on space applications.
The governor said that the country was blessed with an array of scientists capable of making a change in space science technology, which was part of the things he would propagate.
“Nigeria has lots of scientists that need to be encouraged in development of the space industry.
“We also need to create synergy among agencies involved in space applications because there are government research institutions that work in silos and their works are not recognised.
“We also need to bring these agencies to relate with the private sector for better development,” he said.
Bagudu promised to make use of the ambassadorial position to engage sectors in his state such as in agriculture, health, education, among others for better space applications.