The Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition commenced in Abuja, focusing on the exploration of potential solutions to Nigeria's security concerns through the utilization of space technology.
The conference, which spanned three days, focused on the topic of Exploring Space Economy for Africa's Economic Growth. It served as a platform for the convergence of individuals and organizations from both the public and private sectors, namely those involved in security and space technology, hailing from various parts of the globe.
The primary objective of the conference was to examine the significant implications of space technology for Africa's economic development, with particular emphasis on the security dimension.
One of the organizations currently showcasing their products at the ongoing conference is Proforce Galaxies. This company specializes in offering indigenous solutions to a wide range of emerging security concerns faced by the country. They achieve this through the implementation of integrated intelligent solutions, surveillance technologies, and several other security services.
During an interview with The Guardian during the exhibition's inauguration on Monday, Mr. Raymond Asare-Sintim, the Business Development Manager of Proforce Galaxies, elucidated that the company emerged as a subsidiary of the Proforce Group.
According to the individual, Proforce Limited was established 15 years ago and has since engaged in several facets of defense, encompassing a comprehensive examination of security difficulties and the provision of requisite solutions.
According to Asare-Sintim, Proforce, as a privately-owned entity, has engaged in many defense sectors, encompassing the production of hardware including Armored Vehicles, Drones, Electronic Warfare equipment, and numerous other defense apparatus.
Proforce Galaxies serves as the space division of the Proforce Group, as space plays a crucial role in facilitating real-time monitoring and offering guidance to the military and various security agencies in effectively addressing prevailing difficulties.
In the near future, our organization intends to initiate the deployment of a satellite inside the private sector, marking a significant milestone as the inaugural privately-driven satellite venture in Nigeria. This project is being conducted in partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and many international collaborators.
In reference to the conference and the company's contributions, the speaker expressed that the company has previously divulged the utilization of space technology to address various challenges pertaining to border security, territory surveillance, identification of adversaries' origins and strategies, their operational locations, and facilitating instantaneous communication with deployed military personnel.
The significance of this matter lies in the observation that upon arrival at the battlefield, one may ascertain the destruction of certain telecommunication poles. The speaker mentioned the existence of a system that enables real-time communication on vehicles, allowing them to receive information from a command and control center via satellite.
During his Keynote Address, Engr. Ade Ogundeyin, the Group Managing Director of Proforce Group of Companies, highlighted the company's foray into space technology and its imminent plans to launch Nigeria's first privately-owned satellite. This satellite is expected to serve many uses within the country.
According to his statement, there is an ongoing collaboration between our organization and NASRDA to investigate significant aspects of space exploration. These areas include the production of satellites, the establishment of ground stations, the development of rocket launch sites, the creation of satellite testing facilities, and the provision of different supporting facilities.
During a presentation titled "Utilizing Space Technology for National Security and Potential Investment Opportunities," Ogundeyin highlighted that the concept of space economy in Africa typically evokes thoughts of satellites, rockets, and scientific progress.
Acknowledging the relevance of all aforementioned factors, the speaker however emphasized the often overlooked significance of space technology in bolstering the security and stability of nations, particularly in regions characterized by prevalent security issues.
As an individual with extensive involvement in the security sector in Africa, I have had the opportunity to observe the significant impact of space technology on the improvement of security and stability.
As to his statement, Proforce Galaxies and NASRDA have formed a collaborative partnership in the field of space technology, as evidenced by their participation in the Africa Space Economy Exhibition.
Expanding on the subject of utilizing space technology for national security and prospective investment prospects, Engr. Ogundeyin asserts that space technology serves as a catalyst for enhancing national security and fostering investment opportunities, not just inside Nigeria and the African continent, but also on a global scale.
The potential of integrating space technology to bolster security measures and stimulate economic growth is a highly promising concept for our region. The utilization of space technology as a means to enhance Nigeria's defense and security infrastructure.
In the contemporary period, characterized by a heightened emphasis on national security around the globe, Nigeria is not immune to the intricate and diverse array of issues associated with this domain. The speaker emphasized that the utilization of space technology provides an exceptional opportunity to strengthen our national security apparatus.