By Joseph Mozie
Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), said as part of the VSAT/TVRO capacity development programme, it has trained over 600 youths across the six geo-political zones in the country and has equipped them with tools to participate in growing the digital economy.
The Chief Executive Officer of NigComSat, Dr. Abimbola Alale, who disclosed this in a welcome speech he delivered yesterday at a stakeholders’ forum it organized with the theme ‘ NigComSat, the Present and the Future’ in Lagos, noted that the training of these youths is also geared towards the timely achievement of NIGCOMSAT’s roles specified in the National Broadband Plan 2020-2025.
“Satellite communications is a technology with rapid changes, in view of this, NigComSat has continued to build capacity that matches global trends and requirements. In the last few years, we have built capacity for over 600 youths to help achieve our role in the Nigeria Broadband Plan 2020-2025,” she disclosed.
Also in capacity building, last year, NigComSat with the support of some of the stakeholders sponsored four (4) teams (Astromania, Floews, Future Generations and Pyloops) to compete in the ActInSpace international innovation contest of 100 cities across 5 continents.
Dr. Abimbola revealed that Nigeria in that contest won the audience award, which was based on the popularity of the video created by Team Astromania to provide information about their solution.
Meanwhile, as part of an effort to sustain quality of service and customers’ experience, which are very important in service delivery, NigComSat has acquired the latest DIALOG HUB with 5IF for the satellite broadband Ka services as well as building a stronger relationship with its channel partners.
NigComSat is also on the verge of acquiring more satellites between now and 2025 with the NigComSat-2 (Hight Throughput Satellite) due for launch in 2023 while NigComSat-3 will be launched in 2025. The acquisition of these satellites will not only inspire confidence in their customers and channel partners but will also place NIGCOMSAT Ltd in the front line of communication satellite operators with a fleet of satellites in the orbit.
The stakeholders’ forum, organized by NigComSat is part of its efforts to rub minds with stakeholders on areas that may need expansion and improvement in line with its core mandate and values.