By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has begun the training of 50 youths on microwave communications, telecommunications installation and maintenance skills acquisition.

The two weeks programme is being carried out in collaboration with Grassroots Bridge Builders (GBB), a multi-purpose limited company in Abuja.

The programme is tagged NASRDA/GBB Acquisition Development Project 2025 on Telecom Operations and Maintenance (O&M).

Microwave communication/transmission is a communications system that uses a beam of radio waves in the microwave frequency range to transmit video, audio or data between locations.

The Director-General (D-G) of NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju, at the opening of the programme, said that NASRDA was engaged in youth empowerment because it would contribute to development of the country.

Adepoju also said that youth empowerment was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.

“Youth empowerment is in realisation that there is no nation that can become a developed nation without engaging youths in real skills acquisition.

“This programme for grassroots youths is on the microwave communication and telecommunication installation, maintenance and deployment.

“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President and the commitment of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, we believe this platform will bring the dreams of Nigerian youths to reality,” he said.

According to him, the appropriate time to equip the youth is now, as Nigeria is among the largest telecommunication market in Africa, hence the need to capture the market.

Adepoju said the skills acquired would enable the beneficiaries become economically reliant and employers of labour.

He also said that while there was a need for more investments in the telecommunication sector, it would require maintenance and trained personnel.

“The deployment and maintenance of telecommunication mass require more hands, Nigerians who are well trained and can be helped by government policies, especially the innovative ideas from the Ministry of Youth Development.

“This is one of the components that the space agency and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology is plugging into.

“We are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution with emerging technologies such as Artificial intelligence and Robotics, and Nigeria can be an active player by engaging the youth practically.

“We are giving more than 50 Nigerian youths opportunity to acquire this highly technical skill and competence that they can start off immediately after the training,” he said.

He said there were plans to expand the programme to the states, relevant agencies of government for consolidation.

The D-G, however, said that beneficiaries who had basic knowledge in the field were selected.

“Until we break down the component of national development, will we not do justice to the development of the youth and Nigeria as a whole?”

Dr Haruna Mohammed, the Chairman NASRDA/GBB Project Committee, said the programme was in line with the three-point agenda of the agency.

This, according to him, includes transformation, staff development and private sector engagement in space development.

Mohammed said that the participants would learn how to protect telecommunication infrastructure, serve, build confidence and empower communities as well as learn skills of safety and awareness.

Mr Ibrahim Igoche, the Chief Executive Officer of GBB, said the programme would train the youth on helping to resolve telecommunication issues in the country.

“We want to give back to Nigeria; we want to ensure that youths are removed from vices, that they bring positive ideas and ensure that we contribute our quota to nation building.

“By the end of this programme, we should be able to install Microwave and Base Transceiver Station conveniently and understand the technology behind telephoning systems.

“Maintenance is a continuous process, and every working equipment requires maintenance and today, we are here to learn attitude to maintenance and give a better network to Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams