MINNA-Niger State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, weekend, congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigerians on the successful launch of Nigeria Sat2 and NigeriaSatX in orbit in Russia.

The governor who described it as a big leap in the nation’s quest for technological breakthrough, noted that the launch of the observation satellites will help bridge the technological gap between Africa and the Western world.

Aliyu said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo: “The good people of Niger State are delighted that NigeriaSat2 and NigeriaSatX would offer services in the areas of disaster warning, land use, land survey marking and high resolution imaging of the nation’s borders.”

The statement said it was gratifying that the satellites have high resolution capacity to pinpoint individual buildings and could be used to provide data for urban planning.

Aliyu praised Federal Government for the courage to launch the new satellites in spite of the draw back occasioned by the loss of the Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT 1) 18 months after it was launched in China in 2007.

He said the recent launch of NigeriaSat2 and NigeriaSatX has further accentuated Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa, adding:“This launch gives hope that Nigeria has the capacity to provide conducive atmosphere required for scientists to thrive and a reassurance of Jonathan’s administration’s commitment to the actualization of Vision 202020.” .