The lecture which was chaired by Prof. Ekundayo Balogun, Pioneer Director, ARCSSTEE, accompanied by his wife and anchored by Mr. Abiodun Olanrewaju, PRO of Obafemi Awolowo University, lle Ife was attended by a lot of dignitaries which included Dr. Ighodalo Ijagbone, DG-CEO, Nigeria Institute of Science Lab. Tech, Sawonda, Ibadan who represented the Honourable Minister of Science and Technology, Prof. Ita Bassey Ewa; representative of the Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo Univerisity, Ile Ife, Prof Salami, Dr. Halilu Shaba, Director of Space Applications, National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) who represented the Director - General, Dr Seidu Mohammed; Dr. Joseph Akinyede, Director ARCSSTEE, Prof. C. W. Adegoke of the Faculty of Engineering, Osun State University; Engr. Felix Ewere, representing the Director, Centre for Space Transport and Propulsion. Epe, Dr. Charles Osheku; Prof. Adesina, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences; Former Director of RECTAS, Prof. Kufoniyi; Dr. Ade Kayode, Associate Director, Centre for Space Research and Application, FUTA; Prof. Ajewole Moses, Director, Centre for Space Application, FUTA; Solomon Adio, Managing Director, United Aerospace Technology Limited; Operator of Aviation Training Institute, United Aero Club of Nigeria; Prof. Adagunodo' Head Computer Science and Engr. OAU, Ile Ife; Dr Babaniyi Babatope, representing Head, Physics department, OAU, Ile Ife; Gentlemen of the Press and a host of participants from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

Earlier in the day, the minister of Science and Technology who was ably represented remarked that being an academician made him feel at home in the gathering. He stated that the importance of space in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The ubiquitous GSM phone is based on space technology. Other applications include tele-education, tele-health, integrated urban development, disease control, disaster management, resource management, just to mention a few and declared to the gathering that President Goodluck Jonathan is keenly interested in the welfare of all Nigerians and that the economy, education, job creation and youth development, are central in the program of the President. He said that the recent launch of NigeriaSat-2 and NigeriaSat-X satellites is a giant stride which should be appreciated by all Nigerians and that the ministry will continue to support the activities of NASRDA.

The minister also recognized the innovations by the current management of ARCSSTE-E and welcomed the inauguration of ARCSSTE-E Alumni Association and the first biennial conference, which were both held last year stating that he is committed to support the activities of ARCSSTE-E especially as he knows the importance of education and capacity building. He also pointed out In particular, the need to resuscitate the zero-gravity flight which will receive the full backing of the ministry. He also promised to ensure the speedy completion of work on the permanent site of the centre.

He appealed to the authority of OAU, Ile Ife to quicken the process of approval of ARCSSTE-E program so that her graduates could proceed to the University for their Masters Program.

A host of primary and secondary schools who came from far and near participated in debates, quiz, playlets and science exhibitions with deserving winners were rewarded accordingly.

A workshop was also organized simultaneously for teachers of schools present and bordered on the use of the GPS as an indispensable tool for Space Application.

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