Week Recap

This past week was focused on engaging the Health Sector, Health Policy Makers and Health practitioners. Nigeria with its growing population, diverse geography, and high demand for improved healthcare presents a lucrative opportunity for satellite-service industry to support. Enhanced connectivity through Satellite communication has a pivotal role to play for Healthcare service providers, policy makers, NGOs in the health sector. Satellite services promote social development by ensuring access to quality healthcare, regardless of geographical barriers.

It's our big week! The maiden edition of Nigerian Satellite Week officially kicks off in the new week, and there's so much excitement in the air. We’re starting with a press conference, followed by the Stakeholders Forum, and, of course, the highly anticipated Nigcomsat Accelerator Demo Day. We are bringing space innovation home through this initiative. If you're a space enthusiast or have been curious about entering the space sector, hopefully, you've already registered to be part of the week’s events.

This week also marks one year since I stepped into office, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in these past 12 months. But even more exciting is where we’re headed in the next year. I personally invite everyone in the space sector to come see the progress we’ve made, understand our vision, and be part of the journey toward a brighter future. If you haven’t registered for the Nigerian Satellite Week yet, there’s still time—register now and witness firsthand how we’re shaping the future of space technology in Nigeria: https://nigcomsat.gov.ng/satellite-week/events

Now, let's take you through a quick recap of this past week:

The launch of the AI Collective

NIGCOMSAT was part of the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Collective, hosted by Luminate in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy . I like to call them the "AI Ninjas" because they’re leading Nigeria's charge in artificial intelligence on the global stage. The theme for the event was "Shaping an Inclusive AI Ecosystem for Nigeria." The AI Collective brings together experts from various sectors—academia, civil society, tech, and more—to ensure AI is developed and applied ethically for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Key partners in this initiative include Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University , DSNai - Data Science Nigeria (DSNai), and Center for Journalism Innovation and Development CJID, with support from NCAIR Nigeria and NITDA Nigeria . As the Minister, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani , rightly said, the future of AI can’t be left to any one group—it will take collaboration between government, the private sector, and civil society. If you’re curious about the ongoing AI strategy, you can contribute and share your feedback here: https://bit.ly/nais-2024.

The Healthcare Policy Dialogue

I was honored to attend the Healthcare Policy Dialogue organized by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria . The theme was : Private Sector support for SWAP ( Sector Wide Approach ) in Healthcare. A key part of transformation in healthcare going forward will be the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the sector. Today Doctors can already use generative AI to take notes during consultation sessions, Run diagnostics etc

The discussions centered on how technology—especially digital health solutions—can revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria. It was an enlightening experience, with thought leaders in health policy laying out the next steps toward achieving accessible, tech-driven healthcare for all.

Courtesy Visit MD HealthAI and Country Director PharmAccess

NIGCOMSAT hosted Engr Kaka of NITDA Nigeria , Njide Ndili of PharmAccess and Ricardo Baptista Leite, M.D. CEO of HealthAI - The Global Agency for Responsible AI in Health to a bilateral session on the sidelines of "The Healthcare Policy Dialogue".

A shared goal for all was "Solidarity", a crucial element of building Fairer societies, where all people have access to the same opportunities to achieve health, well-Being and other goods. This opens a door for Nigeria to partner with the global agency that is working with several countries to ensure responsible use of artificial Intelligence in the Health sector. I believe the steps taken during the meeting are moving us in the right direction and I do hope HealthAI finds a way to partner with the Nigerian Government.

Courtesy Visit, Kaduna State Media Corporation KSMC

Broadcasting remains one of our major product lines. We were delighted to host one of our Television and Radio Broadcasting clients Kaduna State Media Corporation KSMC. The MD, Ahmed Maiyaki visited NIGCOMSAT reaffirming our partnership which commenced over 3 years ago. . The radio station Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC), born of the former Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was established in the 1950s

Meeting with the Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA)

Nigeria faces healthcare challenges, including inadequate facilities, a shortage of medical personnel, and high maternal and infant mortality rates. Agencies such as National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have programs determined to bridge that, such as Basic Health Care Provision Fund or Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) designed to improve access to primary healthcare and also reduce Maternal mortality rates at the local communities.

The CEO Dr Muyi Aina of NPHCDA during our courtesy call reiterated their plans to empower the healthcare community in Nigeria to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of primary health care delivery. Their aim is to create healthy communities across Nigeria and make health and wellbeing a priority for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.NIGCOMSAT is keen to work with them and support their goals .Satellite-based communication can support healthcare delivery, allowing remote diagnostics, consultations, and medical training at very remote parts of the country with very little coverage or access.

Session with students at the Africa Space Foundation

I had the pleasure of speaking with students during the World Space Week event held at NIGCOMSAT, organized by the Africa Space Foundation . In today’s world of rapid change, space is no longer a distant frontier—it’s an active platform for innovation and problem-solving. From monitoring climate change to improving global communications and supporting agriculture, space technology plays a vital role.

In Africa, this space revolution is already happening, and young minds are at the forefront. 🚀 We had six secondary schools showcasing their space innovation projects, and I was truly impressed by the talent and creativity on display. The winners were:

1. STEM Child Care Academy Care Academy
2. Police Day Secondary School, Abuja
3. DIVINE LOVE COLLEGE KUCHIKAU

These students remind us that the future of space exploration lies in the hands of the next generation.

Partner2Connect

I was glad to present some of the work we are doing at NIGCOMSAT to the global community at International Telecommunication Union , particularly at the Partner 2 Connect Community Update Webinar , with Theme "P2C 3.0: FROM PLATFORM TO COMMUNITY—BUILDING A GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF DIGITAL BRIDGERS"

We shared some of the work NIGCOMSAT is doing under the  “universal community,” where the Communications Ministry in Nigeria strives to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.

Not just about connecting people to the internet but about enabling them to participate, innovate and prosper within the global digital ecosystem. This vision is directly aligned with the Nigerian government’s efforts to enhance digital access and empower our citizens, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Some of our ongoing work include:

•   Plans to Launch of a new multi-band satellite with beam coverage across sub-Saharan Africa, specifically to meet the demand of the underserved 70% of the African region without access to good and affordable connectivity.
• To provide connectivity for all 774 local government Secretariats in Nigeria, enhancing internet access in over 2,000 rural areas spread across the country.
• To partner with telecom operators for rural telephony projects across the sub-Saharan region. Partners like Hotspot , Infratel Africa etc

At NIGCOMSAT particularly, we are turning this vision into a reality by leveraging our satellite technology to extend the reach of broadband services across the nation. But beyond providing access, we are fostering community building by ensuring that the connectivity translates into economic empowerment, education and innovation for all Nigerians.

Visit to the Cosmopolitan University

My team and I visited Cosmopolitan University Abuja, where we were warmly received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Carl Adams. NIGCOMSAT is always very keen to partner with higher institutions with Space programs or offer Satellite courses. We had a productive conversation about potential areas for collaboration in satellite technology and innovation. It was inspiring to tour parts of the university’s facilities and see the possibilities that lie ahead. This visit aligns with our broader goal to partner with academic institutions to foster research and development in satellite communications, helping drive national growth through cutting-edge tech.

As we close out this eventful week, I want to shine a spotlight on the Nigerian Satellite Week. We are bringing space innovation home and demonstrating how space technology is transforming industries and improving lives right here in Nigeria.

We’ve come a long way in positioning our nation as a key player in the global space sector, and this week is just the beginning. Space is no longer an abstract idea; it's a tool for innovation, growth, and solving real-world problems. We are taking bold steps to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leader in this revolution.