Dr. Matthew Olumide Adepoju, Director General, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to partnerships that will promote space education and technological growth. 

Adepoju, while receiving Her Royal Majesty, Queen Angelique Monet of Eti-Oni Kingdom in Osun state, a renowned Hollywood actress and American producer at the Agency headquarters in Abuja described space science as an essential tool for national development. 

While reiterating the importance of space science and technology towards the socio-economic development of any nation, he said that no sector can survive or witness appreciable development without the application of space science and technology. 

The NASRDA Boss who commended Queen Angelique Monet outreach program which he describes as in tune with NASRDA’s educational initiatives, also emphasized the need to invest in young minds, stating that the country’s future depends largely on them as leaders of tomorrow. 

He also expressed interest in producing short videos on space activities to captivate children’s interest and attention in the space sector, stressing that Her Majesty’s background in the movie industry will be of tremendous support to the Agency in achieving the desired goal. 

He lauded the Queen’s visit to a chocolate factory in the United Kingdom urging her to establish a local cocoa processing firm in her kingdom, as farmers work hard but earn little due to overseas production. 

Queen Angelique Monet, who is also wife of the paramount ruler of Eti-Oni Kingdom in Osun state, earlier in her remarks expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded her and pledged her support towards the success of NASRDA’S program and activities. 

She commended the NASRDA boss for his futuristic approach and innovations that he has brought on board since assumption of office, stressing that she has been following with keen interest various programs and activities of the Agency. 

The various efforts according to her were catalysts for innovation and talent development in a strategic organization like NASRDA. 

She thereby promised to market NASRDA internationally, adding that its vast potential in space research is not only limited to Space exploration but also a basic tool for improved agricultural production and radical development in other critical sectors.  

When asked about her experience at the Agency, she described NASRDA as innovative while expressing her desire to help the Agency achieve its short- and long-term goals, believing the Nigeria Space Agency has much to offer for Nigerians, Africa and the global community. 

In his contribution, Dr. Felix Ale, the Director, Media and Corporate Communications Department, expressed gratitude to Queen Angelique Monet for her maiden visit to the Agency. 

He assured the American producer and Television Personality of the Agency’s willingness to work and map out strategies to collaborate with her in any areas of interest or benefits to the Agency and Nigeria at large. 

Highlight of the event was presentation of gifts by the Director General to the Visitor and tour of the Agency’s Space Museum.