By Onwa Ekor
The Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT, says it has, in collaboration with Cross River government, trained 200 participants at the end of its four days programme in Calabar, the State capital.
The programme, aimed at equipping young minds with cutting edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communication, was also designed to foster innovation, enhance technical skills while creating opportunities for youths in the ever-evolving space-tech industry.
Managing Director/CEO of NIGCOMSAT limited, Jane Egerton-Idehen, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of the NIGCOMSAT Youth Empowerment Programme, titled, “Space technology for grassroots development,” in Calabar, Friday.
According to Idehen, of these numbers trained, 150 participants were trained in Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) while 50 got engaged in Spacehackathon.
“For those we trained on VSAT technology, it means that they can do any satellite installation including DSTV, GOTV, Spacehack and we want them to be empowered, go on their own and start playing it out as entrepreneurs in that space.
“On the hackathon, we did that in the hope that they can actually start their own businesses and can use satellite technology or applied technology to solve every problem and we are happy because some of the results are actually showing in today’s session,” the MD/CEO said.
Continuing, she explained that what her team has achieved in Cross River was to plant seeds for innovations that would position the state as a potential regional hub to satellite based solutions.
“We want to ensure that there is a pipeline of talents who will power Nigerian digital space and economy with the right support, launch innovation and contribute to the future of satellite technology,” Idehen added, urging the participants to not just receive the technology, but use the knowledge so acquired to create things and solve problems.
She further lauded the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, for hosting the programme, maintaining that “this is just the start of many other projects that we will see happen and bring us back to the state.”
Declaring the event closed, the governor charged the participants to remain productive, pointing out that, a person is identified by what he or she conveniently do to put food on his or her table.
Otu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof Anthony Owan Enoh, said, “I commend you the participants because you are on the right path because the meaning of education must be modified.”
“We have come to a stage where education has lost its value, hence many young men find a disconnection between what they are studying in school and what gives them food on the table upon graduation.
“Coming here to see you looking expectant and optimistic about tomorrow, gives me hope that you are indeed prepared to assume your tasks as the leaders of tomorrow,” the governor said.
He added that, “your interests, aspirations and believe in trying to develop and make you go back to search for knowledge is the true meaning of education and with what you have learnt here, it will help expand your frontiers.”
The event which featured panel discussions saw participants in groups collaborating, building prototypes and pitching ideas to industry experts.
