The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for sustained investment in indigenous space technology, research and innovation to strengthen national security and enhance the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Oluyede made the call on Friday at the inaugural Defence Space Administration (DSA) Day Celebration held at the General Leo Irabor Hall, under the theme, “Space Power and National Security.”
The CDS commended the DSA for its achievements, including the launch of DelSat-1, the establishment of geospatial intelligence infrastructure, the Modular Earth Observation Outpost at the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI, and the commencement of academic activities at the Defence Space School, Orogun.
He urged the Administration to strengthen indigenous research and development, improve the reliability and security of space-based products, and integrate them more effectively into joint and inter-agency military operations to address emerging security challenges.
Oluyede also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the Armed Forces, academic institutions, industries and relevant national agencies to accelerate innovation and expand Nigeria’s capacity to deploy space technology for defence and national development.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General Philip Ilodibia, called for greater synergy among the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force to improve joint operational effectiveness.
Ilodibia also advocated sustained collaboration with the National Space Research and Development Agency, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s space capabilities.
The event was attended by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson; Mrs Mary Iya Badeh, wife of the late Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal AS Badeh (rtd); former Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olanisakin (rtd); and other dignitaries.
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