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Nigeria Ready For Space Launch – FG

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2 years ago

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Nigeria Ready For Space Launch – FG

Writing by Sediq Mutari....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has announced that Nigeria is prepared to embark on a space mission.

Nnaji made this statement during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) of Delaware, USA, focusing on human space flight.

In a statement released by his media office on Thursday, Nnaji emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Human space flight has been a key objective for our nation. The National Space Policy and Program (NSPP), approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2001, identifies human space flight as one of its three pillars.

“According to the 25-year roadmap approved in 2005 for the implementation of the NSPP, our first human space flight was scheduled for 2018. This means we are about six years behind schedule.

“In an effort to correct past delays and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we have revitalized the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology and all its parastatals since I assumed office.

“The signing of this MOU is a testament to our rigorous efforts over the past months. As part of this groundbreaking mission, SERA has reserved six seats for an upcoming New Shepard launch.

“This initiative will see six individuals (from six countries, including Nigeria), potentially becoming the first astronauts from their respective countries.”

Nnaji further noted, “Nigeria’s selection for this historic opportunity aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and highlights the country’s growing significance in the global space community. The inclusion of a Nigerian astronaut will mark a proud moment for the nation, showcasing its advancements and ambitions in space exploration.”

Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, echoed this enthusiasm: “We pride ourselves as the Premier Space Agency in Africa at NASRDA. This is not just a mere statement, but a position of truth.

“When the Space Agency was established on the 8th of May, 1999, not many nations in Africa could dream of having a Space Program. We are also today the only Space Agency in Africa whose activities cover the whole chain of the Space ecosystem. We have a strong footprint in Outer Space exploration and exploitation and also lead in remote sensing.

“Our activities in launch vehicle development can also not be matched by any country in Africa. We are indeed a Premier Space Agency.

“The Agency has successfully launched six satellite missions since its inception. All of these missions were done with our collaborators outside the country, but the contribution of our Engineers cannot be overemphasized.

“Our major pride in our missions is the Nigeriasat-x, which was wholly built by our Engineers.

“Today’s event marks the commencement of our effort to achieve our dream of Human Space Flight. The Human Space Flight program is one of the cardinal objectives of the National Space Policy and Program.

“It was with this in mind that we established the Department of Physical and Life Sciences about three years ago. It gladdens my heart that I was very instrumental to the establishment of this department, and by providence, I am today the Director General to see to it that this dream is becoming a reality.”

SERA co-founders Joshua Skurla and Sam Hutchison also expressed their excitement: “This is a milestone moment in the development of our university.

“We have built a human spaceflight program in partnership with Newport to promote access to space, and we are building this by way of a program in other countries that had previously no access to space.

“We are here at the dialogue between the Learn Space Foundation and carried on with the personnel from NASA to announce that we intend to send the first human spaceflight program on the Blue Origin spacecraft.

“This human spaceflight opportunity with NASA and with Nigeria is part of a broader mission that will be taking place in the not-too-distant future that will see six astronauts. SERA is a private organization. This is an example of a public-private partnership that I think is exactly the right platform.

“Our hope for this mission is that we can raise awareness among young people, in Nigeria in particular, to understand that if they get into science, engineering, and mathematics, their future may be in space.

“There are hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in the commercial development of in-space activity, and Nigerians should be a part of it. So our hope for this mission is that we can promote broader public support for space activity in Nigeria.”

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Security Breach Scandal! Peter Obi Accused Of Orchestrating Identity Fraud At International Airport!.

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10 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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A petition dated July 12, 2026, has been submitted to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding serious security allegations. An anonymous individual, identifying as an aviation industry worker, is calling for a formal investigation into claims that Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), facilitated travel for a media aide using multiple identities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Circumventing Restrictions: The petitioner claims that Obi’s media aide was previously barred from flying with Air Peace due to alleged misconduct but continued to travel on the airline using different names.

  • Obi’s Alleged Involvement: The petition alleges that Obi repeatedly made arrangements to help the aide evade these airline restrictions and often accompanied her on these flights.

  • Interference with Security: It is further alleged that when traveling with this aide, Obi prevented airport staff from performing necessary identity verification procedures.

  • Evidence Cited: The petitioner claims to have attached evidence of flight tickets and Passenger Name Records (PNR) to the document to support these claims.

  • Safety Concerns: The document argues that these actions compromise aviation security and undermine the ability of airlines to enforce safety and identification protocols.

As of the report’s filing, these allegations remain unverified, and Peter Obi has not issued a public response.

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From Rivals To Rescue? Keyamo Stuns Public With Offer To Settle Peter Obi’s Airport Debt!.

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10 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has agreed to a proposal by Mr. Nnaemeka Ikerionwu to pay the ₦25,000 airport parking fine issued to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • Origin of the Fine: The fine was imposed after Peter Obi allegedly violated parking regulations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

  • Context of the Dispute: Keyamo previously issued a seven-day ultimatum for Obi to pay the fine and publicly apologize to airport staff following claims Obi made in a podcast interview that he was being targeted and harassed at the airport.

  • Evidence Provided: To address Obi’s allegations of unfair treatment, Keyamo released CCTV footage showing the moment the parking violation occurred.

  • Resolution and Reaction:

    • Following an offer to pay the fine by Ikerionwu, Keyamo instructed him to contact the Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to arrange payment.

    • Despite accepting the payment, Keyamo still expects an apology from Obi to the airport officials.

    • Keyamo stated that the ministry successfully refuted Obi’s claims and warned the candidate to avoid making “outlandish” statements in the future intended to secure “sympathy votes”.

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Nationwide Renaming Spree! Major Landmarks Across Nigeria Now Bear President Tinubu’s Name!.

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10 hours ago

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July 17, 2026

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The Federal Government has officially renamed the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. Minister of Works David Umahi explained that this decision honors the President, noting that the project’s original vision began nearly 30 years ago during Tinubu’s time as the Governor of Lagos State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This recent renaming, announced on July 16, 2026, joins a significant and growing list of public assets and institutions that have been named or established in President Tinubu’s honor since he took office in May 2023.

Public Assets Named After President Tinubu

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Minna: In March 2024, the airport—formerly the Abubakar Imam International Airport—was renamed by Governor Umar Bago to acknowledge the President’s support for Niger State.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way, Abuja: Following its reconstruction in May 2024, the Abuja Southern Parkway, which connects the Christian Centre to Ring Road One, was renamed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

  • Bola Tinubu Building (National Assembly Library): Inaugurated by the President in May 2024, this newly completed library was named in his honor by the National Assembly.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC): Formerly the Nigeria Immigration Service command and control centre, this facility was renamed in December 2024 to serve as a hub for border security and technological innovation.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarinpa: Established in January 2025 by the Federal Government, this institution focuses on entrepreneurial, vocational, and technical education.

  • Bola Ahmed Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro: Named by the Nigerian Army in January 2025, this new military facility features operational infrastructure, residential quarters, and sporting amenities.

  • Tinubu International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja: Following comprehensive renovations, the Abuja International Conference Centre was renamed in June 2025 by the FCT Administration.

With the inclusion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, at least eight major public facilities or infrastructure projects have been renamed or established to bear the President’s name during his administration.

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