By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
Prof. Babatunde Rabiu, Research Director, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), has been appointed the 2nd Vice-Chairman and Rapporteur of the UN-Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS).
Mr Olayode Abdurasaq, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General of NASRDA, to Dr Matthew Adepoju, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Monday in Abuja.
Rabiu, a renowned Space Physicist, was appointed to the position at the on-going 69th Session of the UN-COPUOS meeting holding in Vienna, Austria from June 10 to June 19.
Reacting to the appointment, Rabiu told NAN that the significance of the appointment includes Nigeria’s ability to derive greater benefits from international space cooperation.
He said the appointment had enhanced Nigeria’s visibility and reinforced NASRDA’s status as the leading national space agency in Africa.
According to him, the appointment demonstrates that the leadership and administrative capabilities of Nigerian scientists are recognised globally.
“Nigeria stands to benefit from several activities within the scope of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), for which UN-COPUOS provides policy input.
“With this appointment, Nigeria is strategically positioned to harness the benefits of international cooperation being championed by UN-COPUOS,” he said.
Rabiu added that the development should inspire Nigerian scientists aspiring for global recognition to remain diligent and focused on their pursuits.
“Our impacts are being felt at global levels, and this appointment offers hope to national scientists,” he said.
Adepoju, D-G of NASRDA, while congratulating Rabiu on the appointment, described it as another milestone for Nigeria and the agency.
He commended Rabiu’s decades of dedicated service to the advancement of space science and technology in Nigeria and his contributions to the global space community.
He noted that the appointment represented a continuation of Nigeria’s tradition of leadership at the United Nations.
The D-G recalled that the late Dr Adigun Abiodun served as Chairman of the full UN-COPUOS from 2004 to 2006.
“Also, Dr Francis Chizea, a Research Director at NASRDA, also served as vice-chairman of the committee from 2019 to 2021.
“Nigeria does not merely participate in global space governance but continues to provide leadership at the highest levels,” Adepoju said.
The UN-COPUOS is the most important international multilateral forum for the discussion of humankind’s activities in outer space where information on national space activities and plans, among others are shared. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)