Satellite Technology shouldn’t be abstract concept for policy papers — NIGCOMSAT boss, Edehen

By Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

The Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite limited, Jane Egerton-Edehen has said that technology should not be confined to boardrooms and City centres but rather should touch lives at the grassroots so that it can open doors for those with talent without access, and  must not remain an abstract concept reserved for policy papers and engineers in Abuja. 

The NIGCOMSAT boss said In her address during the closing ceremony of the VSAT training and SpaceHacks Hackathon weekend in Calabar with the theme; “Driving Grassroots Innovation through Satellite technology”.

She maintained that space technology must become a tool that empowers Nigerians from the Center City to the hinterlands, stating that this is why NIGCOMSAT has launched the Grassroots Innovation through Satellite Technology Initiative, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme designed to democratize access to satellite-based knowledge and skills. 

Recall that, NIGCOMSAT in collaboration with Cross River State Government equipped 200 young Cross Riverians drawn across the 18 local government areas of the State with practical, hands-on skills in Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) installation and maintenance, a high-demand skill set that can create real employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in today’s digital economy. 

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She Stressed further that their focus on VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) training is to equip young people with practical, market-ready installation skills, enabling them to tap into a growing industry.  

“These participants are now job-ready technicians, capable of deploying satellite-based internet in schools, hospitals, and remote communities”.  

She assured top winners of the training that they would be fast-tracked into the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme, where they will receive further mentorship, funding opportunities, and exposure to take their ideas from concept to market. 

The NIGCOMSAT boss was full of appreciation to the Government of Cross River State for their Commitment and the genuine engagement of the Youth.

In her words;”But what makes this moment special is the strong commitment of the state government and the genuine engagement of the youth”. 

“The testimonies we have heard in the last few days speak volumes. Many participants now see themselves not just as job seekers, but as entrepreneurs and innovators, equipped with tools that can change their lives and impact their communities”. 

Idehen assured that With the right support, some of the young people trained will go on to lead startups, launch innovations, and perhaps  contribute to the future satellite missions. She said,