Isoun now heads NigComsat board

The Federal Government has named former Science and Technology Minister, Prof. Turner Isoun, to chair the board of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComsat) Limited. The board which was inaugurated recently by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Lt. Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd) also has Mr Daudu Festus Yusufu Narai, Mr Adi Bernard Barau and Hasue Isah Mohammed as members.

Also on the board are Mr Wahab Kolawole Jimoh, representing Science and Technology Ministry, Mr Munir Abiodun Alao, representing Finance Ministry and NigComsat representatives, Ahmed Rufai, Abimbola Alale and Olabode Oroge.

The NSA said the board members were carefully selected to meet with the challenges of the times, adding that they should live up to their billings.

At its maiden board meeting thereafter, Isoun, who midwifed NigComsat and gave it the status to operate, when he was Minister,  said he was pleased with what has been done at NigComsat so far considering the short time it has existed.

He explained that despite the drawback when NigComSat-1 was deorbited, “I am impressed with what Ahmed-Rufai has done within this short period, especially bringing together a galaxy of stars from all over Nigeria to serve their fatherland” he said, after meeting with the management staff of the company.

He recalled that when the company was set up in April 2006, “we didn’t anticipate this formidable growth” adding that “we are happy with what you are doing, especially in a cutting edge technology industry in which you are pioneers, not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa”

Isoun, the longest serving Science and Technology Minister (2000-2007) said “if you make success of this venture, which I am sure you will, it will be well with your soul”

Isoun, a Science and Technology technocrat, said the purpose of the board is to create checks and balances, because everybody has a role to play. “But we must work together as one to achieve progress for Nigeria ”

In his remarks, Ahmed-Rufai said apart from the board providing direction, it will create good corporate governance for the company which adds up to quality service delivery”

There was an initial interim board of governors which was dissolved in conformity with the provisions of the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) of 1990 and a new one was constituted.

The new board has the responsibility to set policy and strategy for the company and report to the President through the Science and Technology Minister and the NSA.

Source : Tribune