FG will boost investments in space science tech – Minister

The Federal Government will boost investment in space science technology because of its tremendous benefit to the country, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said. Dr Onu disclosed this during the commissioning ceremony of the Astronomy Observatory Complex of the Centre for Basic Space Science, in Ebirimiri,Agu Umakashi, Nsukka , Enugu […]

The Federal Government will boost investment in space science technology because of its tremendous benefit to the country, the Minister of Science and Technology Dr Ogbonnaya Onu has said.

Dr Onu disclosed this during the commissioning ceremony of the Astronomy Observatory Complex of the Centre for Basic Space Science, in Ebirimiri,Agu Umakashi, Nsukka , Enugu state, over the weekend.

The Minister stated that the centre for basic science is keying into Astronomy which will enhance the growth of gross domestic products (GDP) in areas such as medicine, manufacturing, education, agriculture and communication.

Dr Onu said the Federal Government’s decision to accord priority to space science development was to improve the quality of life of Nigerians, adding that space science technology will boost telemedicine, agriculture, and manufacturing etc.

He also called on the Private Sector to take adequate advantage of these products that are coming out from these research centres for commercialisation that would be market driven across the country.

While saying that the Buhari  administration is committed in making space science technology an important segment of the economy,  he called on Nigerians to maximise the highest potentials in the space science technology sector to grow the economy, provide jobs , fight poverty and create wealth for the nation.

The Director General / Chief Executive National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Professor Seidu Mohammed, said the Centre was established to build capacity that would address the developmental needs of the country in several areas.

He said the construction of the Observatory Complex started 15 years ago, and commended the present administration for seeing to its completion.