The Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba, has stressed the need for the deployment of innovative technology as a catalyst for sustainable national development.
He made this statement during the closing ceremony of the maiden edition of NASRDA HACKATON and TECH FAIR 2023 themed Space Innovations for Industry 4,0, held at the Agency’s Headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the core vision of the Agency reflects the recognition of the critical role that technology and industry play in shaping our Nation’s future.
He further stated that NASRDA HACKATON and TECH FAIR offered participants and exhibitors a national platform to display their skills and ingenuity, discuss innovative ideas and create collaborations that will promote technology and advance the nation towards a more economically viable nation by fostering an ecosystem of innovation, collaboration and progress.
The NASRDA boss who explained the rigours of organizing an event of this magnitude despite zero budgetary allocation, emphasized the need for consolidation on the existing status quo through improved performance.
He called for the establishment of a feedback mechanism between the Agency and the participants where meaningful information can be exchanged periodically , adding that the Agency is set to work with the successful participants whose innovative ideas can be supported and developed for the purpose of advancing and contributing to the course of science, technology and innovation in the country.
Dr. Shaba, who appreciated the efforts of the organizers and participants at the event stated that modalities are in place to ensure the continuity and sustenance of the HACKATHON and TECH FAIR because of it’s attendant benefits to the development of the country.
Also at the event was the Managing Director of Nigeria Communication Satellites Limited, NigComSat Engr Mohammed Lawal Tukur who commended NASRDA for bringing together great young minds towards harnessing the immense potentials in the youths of our nation.
He said NigComSat will partner with the Space Agency in hosting the next HACKATHON AND TECHFAIR as part of contributions towards nation building.
Speaking earlier, the chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Dr. Haruna Mohammed, commended the immense contributions of all parties involved in the successful hosting of the conference.
According to him, the extra-ordinary one week journey witnessed the convergence of brilliant minds, creative ideas and cutting-edge technology with the common goal of exploring the immense possibilities that arise at the intersection of innovative technologies and industry.
Dr. Mohammed, who also commended the efforts and contributions of the NASRDA boss described him as a visionary leader with a high sense of responsibility especially as he was instrumental in making the event a reality.
He further stated that under the dynamic leadership of the NASRDA helmsman, the Agency conceived and pursued this gigantic initiative to bring together innovators and industry players, pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology through research, inventions and critical reasoning driven by technology for sustainable national development.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards and certificates of achievement to the winners and participants by the Managing Director of NigComsat, Engineer Mohammed Lawal Tukur.
Below are pictures from the event.
