By Foster Akpore
OROGUN, Delta State, August 3, 2026 — The Defence Space School, Orogun, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its host community while highlighting its strategic role as Nigeria’s first military space training institution.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Acting Coordinator of the Defence Space School, Commodore KO Olarenwaju, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Orogun Kingdom led by the Onotu-Uku (Traditional Prime Minister), Chief Do-Good O. Efe-Nogo, JP, who conveyed the goodwill of the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Joseph Okorocha Emoghene, Osuokpa I.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Efe-Nogo congratulated the school on the successful inauguration of its 2026 academic session on May 11 2026 and commended its vision of developing indigenous capacity in defence space technology.
“Your vision of developing indigenous capacity in defence space technology is commendable and deserves the support of all well-meaning Nigerians,” he said.
A retired United States Army veteran, Chief Efe-Nogo assured the institution of Orogun Kingdom’s continued support.
“As a retired United States Army veteran, I appreciate the importance of defence education and strategic partnerships. I assure you of Orogun Kingdom’s continued support in providing a peaceful and welcoming environment for the growth and success of this institution,” he said.
Chief Efe-Nogo noted that the pioneer academic session marked a significant step towards developing indigenous defence space capability in Nigeria. He also observed that the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom and the President General of Orogun Kingdom were not represented at the inauguration.
“This courtesy visit, therefore, provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and build a stronger partnership between the Defence Space School and its host community,” he said.
He also paid tribute to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, KSJ, Obarisi of Urhobo Land and former Deputy President of the Ninth Senate, for facilitating the establishment of the Defence Space School in Orogun.
“His contribution has created a lasting legacy for our kingdom and Nigeria,” Chief Efe-Nogo said, noting that the visit coincided with the Senator’s birthday and praying for God’s continued guidance, good health and wisdom upon him.
Responding, Commodore KO Olarenwaju thanked the delegation for the visit and commended Chief Efe-Nogo for what he described as a well-researched address that demonstrated a clear understanding of the school’s mission and activities.
He described space as “the ultimate high ground,” explaining that space technology enables the military to monitor activities on land, at sea, in the air and in cyberspace, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness.
Olarenwaju said the establishment of the Defence Space School ended Nigeria’s dependence on costly overseas military space training and marked a significant step towards developing indigenous expertise in defence space operations.
He described Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the driving force behind the establishment of the institution in Orogun, saying the former Deputy Senate President accomplished what many before him could not.
“He has accomplished what many before him could not achieve by bringing this important institution—the first of its kind in Nigeria—to this community. If there is any reason to appreciate the Senator, this is certainly one of them,” the Acting Coordinator said.
He added that although many people might not yet fully appreciate the significance of hosting Nigeria’s first Defence Space School, future generations would recognise the educational, economic and strategic benefits the institution would bring to Orogun Kingdom and the nation.
Olarenwaju also expressed appreciation to the people of Orogun Kingdom for the goodwill extended to the school since its arrival in February. He gave special recognition to Comrade Progress Omo-Agege, whom he described as “the link between the school and the community,” for his unwavering support in fostering cordial relations between the institution and its host community.
He disclosed that although the school was established in 2019, it officially commenced operations on 11 May 2026 after the completion of all necessary administrative processes.
The Acting Coordinator explained that the Defence Space School began with an inaugural cohort of 78 students, which has since increased to 88. He clarified that all participants are civilian staff of the Defence Space Administration undergoing specialised space training and are not military personnel.
He further explained that the Defence Space School is not a conventional educational institution and does not admit members of the public. Instead, its mandate is to provide specialised space training exclusively for Defence Space Administration personnel.
Despite this, he said the institution would continue to benefit Orogun through employment opportunities, increased economic activity and greater national recognition.
Describing Orogun as one of the safest communities in the country, Olarewaju praised residents for their hospitality and peaceful disposition, noting that the secure environment had enabled officers and personnel of the school to carry out their responsibilities without fear.
He also accepted responsibility for the omission of the Okpara-Uku of Orogun Kingdom during the school’s earlier engagement with the community, describing it as an unintentional oversight and pledging to pay a personal courtesy visit to the traditional ruler to apologise.
The Acting Coordinator further emphasised the importance of collaboration, revealing that he had initiated partnerships with the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, the Divisional Police Office and other stakeholders to promote security and development within the community.
He assured the traditional institution that the Defence Space School would continue to work closely with Orogun Kingdom in advancing peace, security and national development.
Members of the Orogun delegation included Chief Samuel Odjuma, Chairman of the Orogun Traditional Council of Chiefs; Chief John Agabi, Secretary of the Council; Chief O.J. Orogun, JP, Spokesman of the Council; Prof. (Chief) Edwin Achugbue, Chief Librarian of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun; Comrade Progress Omo-Agege; and CSP Amusa-Eke Omorogbe, Divisional Police Officer, Orogun Division.
The Defence Space School management team present at the meeting comprised Acting Coordinator, Commodore KO Olarewaju; Administrative Officer, Captain MU Gado; Medical Officer, Captain VO Jack; Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer BM Ismail; and Deputy Registrar, Dr. Obinna.