Hope that the security challenges confronting the country might end soon brightened on Wednesday as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd, (NigComSat), Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, said Nigeria has already deployed its Satellite Assets against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

Mrs Egerton-Idehen who did not give details of the scope of the deployment because of its security implications, however, said that there are collaborations with the Nation?s Security Architecture Managers to find lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the country.

She said part of the collaborations involved providing connectivity to remote areas, while lots of technology platforms have been deployed for various assignments.

?We are collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Intelligence, and Space Administration, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other stakeholders on the utilization of Communications Satellite and Assets to ensure peace throughout the country.

?I cannot provide details of our collaborations, but it?s all-encompassing and the goal is to secure Nigeria. Very few countries have the kind of assets that we have, especially in the West African sub-region. We have started a journey to provide leadership in the region and we will surely get there?, Mrs Egerton-Idehen said.

Mrs Egerton-Idehen made the remarks at John Wood Hotel, Wuse, Abuja on Wednesday while addressing reporters on the activities lined up for the Nigerian Satellite Week.

She said Nigeria has not abandoned the move to procure Satellite 2 in Space, stating that the process is already gaining traction and would be concluded as soon as possible.

Mrs Egerton-Idehen said the Nigerian Satellite Week is being organised to bring stakeholders together to harness the huge potential in the satellite industry.

According to her, within the period she assumed office, NigComSat TV Channels have moved from about 45 to 105, while viewers have peaked at 7 million from two million viewers.

She added that the journey to connect the 774 local government areas with digital Communications Centres is still ongoing as a significant number of the councils have already been connected.

Speaking further on Satellite Week, Mrs Egerton-Idehen said: ?This event marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria?s satellite and space industry as we gather here to explore how communication satellites can be the driving force behind our nation?s sustainable development via diverse industries and initiatives.

?This event was created to bring together experts, industry players, investors, policy leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the public and private sectors, both locally and internationally.

?Our mission for the next few days is clear: to unpack and showcase the transformative potential of satellite technology for Nigeria, setting the stage for tangible progress for Nigeria?s economy, security, healthcare, education, and more; forging connections and partnerships in this regard.

?The Nigerian Satellite Week is designed to be more than just a platform for discussions?it?s a springboard for action. Each day of this event has been meticulously planned to highlight critical areas where satellite technology can revolutionise our nation.

?We will be engaging with thought leaders, policymakers, regulators, and industry players to explore how satellites can serve as a bridge to Nigeria?s digital economy.

?The highly anticipated ?NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Demo Day? holds on Friday, where startups from our 9-month accelerator program will showcase their innovative solutions.

?These startups represent the future of Nigeria?s space sector?young, dynamic, and full of potential. This is the day we will see entrepreneurship and innovation in action, with pitches from startups ready to transform the industry.

?We?ll also have fireside chats and panels discussing the role of public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship in driving space sector growth,? she added.

Mrs Egerton-Idehen praised President Bola Tinubu for initiating the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying that the support of the President and the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani has changed the narratives of the Satellite Communications industry. (The Nation)

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