The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, has urged journalists to take the lead in simplifying and humanising stories about satellites and information communication technology (ICT) to ensure that ordinary citizens understand the opportunities they present.
She made the call on Monday while delivering her keynote address at a one-day media training for ICT reporters and editors held at the NIGCOMSAT Ground Control Station in Abuja. The training, organised for members of the press covering the ICT and technology beats, aimed to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen collaboration between the media and Nigeria’s satellite communications sector.
Addressing journalists, Egerton-Idehen described the media as a vital link between what is built in technical control rooms and what everyday Nigerians experience. She stressed that while satellites and ICT form the backbone of modern life, they are often underreported or misunderstood.
“We live in a digital age where satellites and ICT are no longer abstract or futuristic—they are part of our daily lives,” she said. “Satellites power internet in rural villages, help us predict the weather, support disaster response, and even strengthen national security. ICT, on the other hand, is the nervous system of our society. It drives communication, education, healthcare, commerce and governance.”
She noted that gaps in foundational knowledge had limited effective reporting in the past, but stressed that initiatives like the training session would provide journalists with the tools to tell more impactful stories.
The NIGCOMSAT CEO challenged reporters to look beyond technical jargon when reporting on issues such as broadband penetration or spectrum allocation. She maintained that such topics directly influence how Nigerians perceive technology, how policymakers respond to national challenges, and how the younger generation sees opportunities in ICT.
“When you write about spectrum allocation or broadband penetration, you are not just covering technical jargon,” she explained. “You are shaping how people see opportunities in technology. You are influencing how policymakers respond. You are even inspiring young Nigerians to dream of careers in technology and space.”
She said the training would help participants engage with important questions such as what exactly a satellite is and how it works, the difference between geostationary and low-earth orbit satellites, how ICT infrastructure transforms rural development, and the frameworks guiding Nigeria’s digital future. According to her, these are not merely technical questions, but social ones that touch on fairness, inclusion, and access to opportunities for millions of Nigerians.
Egerton-Idehen also emphasised that Nigeria is not just a consumer of technology, but a creator and contributor. She pointed to the country’s satellites, growing ICT infrastructure, and vibrant startup ecosystem as evidence of innovation and resilience.
“The ICT sector is one of the fastest-growing in Africa, and with it comes enormous potential,” she said. “But for us to unlock that potential responsibly, we need strong, informed media voices.”
She encouraged journalists to amplify positive stories, such as rural communities accessing the internet for the first time or young Nigerian engineers developing groundbreaking solutions.
The NIGCOMSAT boss assured participants that her organisation remained committed to supporting the media in its role as a watchdog and educator in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“At NIGCOMSAT, we are committed to supporting you on this journey because we know that informed journalism creates informed citizens, and that is the foundation of a strong digital economy,” she said.
She called on the media to approach their work with curiosity, boldness, and an open mind, stressing that Nigeria’s future as a digitally transformed nation depends as much on journalists as it does on engineers and policymakers.
The one-day training comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to expand internet access, strengthen its digital economy, and promote local content development in the ICT sector. With the world increasingly reliant on satellites and digital platforms, media literacy in ICT has become critical for shaping public understanding and influencing policy debates.
For many participants, the event underscored the importance of their role not just as reporters, but as interpreters of technology for millions of Nigerians who may never set foot in a satellite control room. Egerton-Idehen closed her remarks with a charge: “Together, let us build a Nigeria that is more connected, more informed, and more empowered.”
