The commemoration of man’s first flight into space that took place over five decades ago was initiated through the collaboration of ABUAD Consult and Space Media Technologies Ltd.
April 12 of every year is set aside for the anniversary of the first human space flight by Russian Cosmonaut, Col. Yuri Gagarin in 1961. According to history, this date also celebrates the launch into the orbit of the U.S Space Columbia in 1981.
The event that was tagged: Yuri’s Night was officially served as an avenue to launch Space Tourism Society in Nigeria for the purpose of encouraging Youths’ participation in the areas of Science and Technology, together with various agencies involved in Space and Space related activities. This will also serve to create awareness on the impact of Space exploration on national development.
Yuri Gagarin (a Russian) in a Vostok1 space craft, left USSR on 12th April 1961 and returned same day after spending 1hour-48minutes in space, thereby being the first manned space flight in the orbit. He was regarded as an Icon of space exploration and his expeditions are celebrated in all the Continents around the globe.
The commemoration at ABUAD, which enjoyed sponsorship of the Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, took place at the ultra-modern 7,000 Seater Multi-Purpose Hall of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.
The event featured presentation of papers from various scholars, choreography, students’ fashion/art show and launching of space tourism society. The introductory speech was given by Dr. Igbatayo, Director, ABUAD Consult. In his speech, Dr.Igbatayo remarked that, ABUAD students have necessary facilities to explore space technologies and enjoined them to use the facilities effectively broaden their knowledge.
At the occasion, the founder/President emeritus, Aare Afe Babalola heartily welcomed the Chairman of the occasion, Senator R. A. Boroffice (CON), Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology and Founding Director General – National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and also the Royal fathers that were present at the occasion.
Aare Afe Babalola observed that, the MOON is a natural phenomenon that human being could use to get result after being consulted. He based his observations on the origin of man and its existence, emphasizing the incorporation of eclipse of the heart that has been in existence before the formation of MAN. The Founder also narrated a brief story of YURI GAGARI who entered the space for exploration with sacrifice. According to him, Yuri’s expectation was to discover new innovations in the world. On this note, the Founder challenged ABUAD students to be among those that will explore the world and make changes to it.
In the paper that was presented by Prof. Ekundayo Balogun, titled; Role of Space Science and Technology in National Development and Human Activities. The underlisted are some of the reasons mentioned by Him, why Space Science & Technology are important
- WE ARE IN THE SPACE AGE AND THE THINKING populace, the writing of school syllabuses, and the construction of university curricula must reflect the age
- Space Science and Technology (SST) enables students to see, explore, and investigate our world in ways never before possible.
- SST provide students with a sense of inquiry, exploration and discovery
- There have been many spin-offs from space science and technology which have become useful in the areas of Telecommunications (mobile phones, e-mails, telemedicine, tele-education etc), agriculture, health, computer technology, transportation, global Positioning System, education and electronics.
- There is therefore the need for Space Education.
The second scholar that presented at the occasion was Dr. Joseph O. Akinyede (Director/CEO) African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English (ARCSSTE-E) Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Dr. Akinyede talked on Space Solutions to Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development Challenges, highlight the importance of space exploration.
According to him:
- Because the knowledge of phenomena elsewhere in the universe can be of benefit in addressing some of the problems on Earth
- Because basic space science has deep roots in virtually every human culture
- Because it helps to understand man’s place in the vast scale of the universe
- Because it teaches man about his origins and evolution
Present at the occasion were eminent traditional rulers, Senator Boroffice, Chairman Senate Committee on Technology, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Prof. Ekundayo Bologun, space experts, staff and students of ABUAD.
Senater (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroface (OON), who is Chairman Senate Committee on Science and Technology in the National Assembly, is the founding Director-General, NASRDA. He was the Chairman of the night’s event.
- Emeritus Professor Ekundayo Balogun, Former Director, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English.
- Professor Akinola Aguda, Former Head, Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
- Professor Joseph Akinyede, Executive Director, African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in English.