Stakeholders have called for deliberate, coordinated, and long-term investment in strengthening Africa’s capacity in space science and technology, emphasizing that the continent’s ambition for meaningful participation in outer space must be anchored on solid institutional, technological, and policy foundations on earth.
This charge resonated strongly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, when the Department of Geography, University of Lagos (UNILAG) in collaboration with the African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) hosted the 4th edition of the Adigun Ade Abiodun Public Lecture at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, UNILAG.
The annual lecture, established in honour of the late space scientist, Dr. Adigun Ade Abiodun, aims to deepen knowledge of space science in Africa while promoting critical discussions on governance, sustainability, security, and equitable access to space resources.
Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), UNILAG, Professor F. A. Fajemirokun; Chief of Defence Space Administration, Major General P. O. Ilodibia, represented by Deputy Director, Commodore C. O. Obika; members of the honouree’s family led by Dr. Sanjo Bamgboye; former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and respected geographer, Professor Alabi S. Soneye, alongside other academics, defence officials, and stakeholders.
Celebrating a Visionary Legacy
The event opened with a powerful documentary chronicling Dr. Abiodun’s life and achievements, particularly his pioneering work in remote sensing and his instrumental role in positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa’s space research and development landscape.
More than a retrospective, the film portrayed a visionary scholar of profound intellectual depth, strategic foresight, and uncommon dedication; whose work laid a lasting foundation for space science, policy, and governance across the continent.
A Lecture of Intellectual and Moral Significance
In his welcome remarks, Chairman of occasion and former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Emeritus Professor Peter Olusegun Adeniyi, described the lecture as both intellectually and morally significant.
He paid tribute to Dr. Abiodun, whom he described as a friend of over four decades and an exemplary scholar whose dedication to remote sensing distinguished Nigeria within Africa’s outer space research landscape. According to him, the lecture serves as a bridge between past achievements and future aspirations in space governance.
Also, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adelaja Odukoya who represented the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS reiterated the importance of managing outer space responsibly.
He cautioned that “as humanity seeks to build a better and more sustainable outer space environment, it must avoid replicating the environmental degradation, inequality, and conflict that characterize life on earth.”
Professor Odukoya described the honouree as a towering figure in space governance whose legacy continues to inspire responsible scholarship and visionary leadership.
Global Voices, Continental Vision
The event also featured international goodwill messages delivered virtually, by globally recognized individuals including the Deputy Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), Dr. Driss El Hadani. He underscored the importance of ensuring the responsible and peaceful use of outer space in line with established international frameworks.
Similarly, President of the African Space Agency, Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, emphasized that “Africa must transition from being passive consumers of space-derived data to active contributors in global space innovation and policy formulation.”
Earlier, Mr. Etim Offiong (who is he) highlighted ASLI’s mission and vision, urging scholars and policymakers to engage platforms that promote African-led solutions in space policy, governance, and technological development.
“Outer Space Conquest Starts with Ground Space Conquest”
Delivering the keynote address on Ensuring a Secure, Sustainable, Equitable and Peaceful Future in Outer Space., the Founder and Chairman of Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel E. Ekuwem examined the outer space within legal, technological, environmental, and geopolitical contexts.
With a statement that drew strong reactions from the audience, he declared: “Outer space conquest starts with ground space conquest.” According to him, Africa’s ambitions in outer space must be built on strong terrestrial systems, robust institutions, sound policies, indigenous technological capacity, sustainable funding frameworks, and ethical governance structures. Without addressing developmental gaps on Earth, he argued, aspirations for dominance or relevance in outer space would remain superficial.
Dr. Ekuwem identified four key pillars necessary to secure the future of outer space. These are:
1. Security: Preventing the weaponization of space and safeguarding orbital assets.
2. Sustainability: Addressing space debris and ensuring the long-term usability of orbital environments.
3. Equity: Guaranteeing fair access to orbital slots, satellite resources, and technological opportunities for developing nations.
4. Peace: Upholding international cooperation and compliance with global space treaties.
He stressed that Africa must deliberately build human capital in space law, satellite engineering, geospatial intelligence, and policy negotiation to avoid marginalization in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
The lecture concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, which provided the platform for scholars, students, and practitioners to further explore issues ranging from Africa’s readiness for deep space exploration to the role of regulation in commercial space activities. The discussions provided deeper insights into how technology, governance, and international cooperation intersect to shape the future of outer space.
About ASLI
The African Space Leadership Institute (ASLI) is Africa’s first space-focused think tank. Established in 2022, it seeks to address gaps in space policy, strategy, law, governance, and leadership across the continent.
ASLI supports evidence-based policymaking, strategic positioning, and effective participation in the global space enterprise. It is committed to maximizing the benefits of current and future space programmes in Africa at both nationaland continental levels.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Samuel O. Dosunmu
