Meet the team of devoted space enthusiasts organizing the 8th Africa Space Generation Workshop

Ruth Okoh – Event Manager

Ruth Okoh is an Aerospace engineer and Founder, SpaceBoss Aerospace, a Global Research Innovations Brand.

She’s an Advocate for the importance of Space Technology for Earth Applications, also an Advocate for Neurodiversity and Inclusivity in the Aerospace Industry.

Throughout her career, Ruth worked on the design and development of Air & Space crafts; including her work as the Design engineer, Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD) Engineering Space Systems (ESS) Propulsion Unit 2015, at the National Space Research and Development Agency (Obasanjo Space Center), showcasing Her expertise in the Design and Analysis of propulsion systems.

She worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in the fixed & rotary wing of Bristow Helicopters, Lagos / Pan-African airline. Asides being versatile as a Perfumer and Luxury Fashion designer, She connects with Aerospace industry professionals and Inspires youths all around the world to get involved in Aerospace.

#TheSpacebossChick

Oluwatosin Kolade – Deputy Event Manager

Oluwatosin is an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student at Obafemi Awolowo University, and researcher in the field of Nonlinear Dynamics. His passion for space exploration has driven him to pursue a career as an Astrodynamicist and Space Mission Analyst. He is actively working towards realizing this dream.

He is involved with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) where he collaborates with other students and young professionals in the space sector. He was part of the Organising team for the 1st Nigeria Space Generation Workshop held in October 2023.

He is also a dedicated member and volunteer for the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Programs Team

Chiedza Banda

Chiedza is an aspiring Space Lawyer. She is the current SGAC NPoC for Zimbabwe. She is a member of SSPI-WISE and was a mentee under the UNOOSA Space4Women Program 2023. Chiedza is participating in the ACHIEVED Competition as a member of Team Orbit Ethos.

Moreover, she was part of the SGFF 2024 Delegates Team, Deputy Event Manager for the 7th AF-SGW 2023 and Programs Team member for the OGL Hackathon 2023. Chiedza is passionate about early exposure to the space Industry for African Students.

Harry Ayuk-Ngojo Tabi

Harry is a space educator fueled by a mission to ignite STEM curiosity in African youth. Through the Aerospace Baby Project, he has developed and delivered space science workshops to young people/children in Cameroon, awarded the 2023 Nebula award, led a team to naming the Star WASP-69 & Exoplanet WASP-69b on behalf of Cameroon, and represented the startup at the GMES and Africa Startup development 2023 award.

His dedication to space exploration extends to a passion for designing space missions for climate action and is an intern at Nano-Satellite Missions Design LTD.

Harry is also a Business Analyst and Assistant Project Manager at BIXO LLC, empowering African businesses with digital transformation. Harry’s passion for equitable STEM education continues as a freelance digital consultant for professionals and non-tech individuals, helping them leverage digital tools for increased productivity and thriving in the tech space. Outsides work you can find him playing chess, reading or playing basketball.

Delegates Team

Ruth Jebet

Ruth Jebet is a highly skilled and ambitious computer science graduate from Moi University with a passion in creating user-friendly interfaces and bringing them to life.Beyond computers, Ruth is a passionate space enthusiast, having participated in Space Challenges Bootcamp and even winning the Africa Space Leader Award in 2023.

This curiosity extends to her active participation in hackathons and developer communities, including Space Generation Advisory Council and Google developer groups,  always eager to learn and contribute. Ruth’s dedication to staying current with the latest technologies makes her a valuable asset to any team.

Muongeni Tamara Manda

Muongeni is a 4th year at Chinhoyi University of Technology, undergraduate passionate about solving environmental issues using geospatial technology. Recognized as top 5 winner in the Climate Action for Climate change GIS Challenge 2022 and a Judge’s panel winner in the Tech Impacts category of the Tech4wildlife Photo Challenge 2023.

Muongeni was recognized as one of the 50 Geospatial World Rising Stars to look into at in 2024. She was the sole female participant from Africa in the NASA Space Apps Collective and secured the second position in the Climate Pitch Hackathon 2023. Muongeni was actively involved in organizing the 7th African Space Generation Workshop, Our Giant Leap Hackathon 2023 and served as a local lead for the NASA Space Apps Challenge 2022 & 2023.

Logistics Team

Maren Mashor

Maren is a space systems research engineer working with Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency. He focuses on concepts of operations studies, systems architecture design and mission requirements definition for future small satellite missions.

Maren enjoys engaging in initiatives that promote small satellite solutions. Through this, he aspires to bridge the gap between research and space product development in Africa and beyond.

Joshua Falowo

Joshua Falowo is a 4th-year Physics Electronics undergraduate at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, currently serving as the General Secretary of the University Space Club. His interests span Space Science and Technology, Advocacy, Human Development, and Business.

As an executive member of the Space Club, he has spearheaded space advocacy outreach to several secondary schools in Akure, reaching about 150 students and teaching them about space science and technology. Additionally, alongside other executives, he has led campaigns that educated over 3,000 FUTA students on space science and technology and taught programming. Joshua is also the co-founder of AfricaTechPact, an initiative aimed at bringing technology to marginalized parts of Africa.

Sophia Akande

Sophia Akande is a 400 level student of mechanical engineering. She studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Osun state, Nigeria. She’s a creative writer with a passion for Robotics, the cosmos, and research.

She’s a member of the Space club, OAU chapter where she serves on the editorial team writing articles and publishing newsletters for the enlightenment of the general public.

Simbiat Oamen

Simbiat Oamen, a Physics and Electronics graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), is deeply passionate about space exploration. As a
mentee in the 2023 Space4Women program by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), she gained extensive knowledge about the space sector. Simbiat is dedicated to inspiring young minds to pursue careers in physics and space exploration.

LOC Team

Emmanuel Lamba

Emmanuel is the Team Lead of AstroMania, an award-winning Space Tech startup that is on a mission to revolutionize vehicle telematics by leveraging space technologies. With their innovative approach, AstroMania has garnered prestigious accolades, including being:
• The National Winners of the Actinspace 2020 Innovation Contest (Space Hackathon) hosted by Nigerian Communication Satellite (NigComSat) Ltd.
• Audience Award Winners for having the most viral pitch video on YouTube.
• Semi-Finalist of the Actinspace 2020 International Space Hackathon
• 3rd Place winner: NASRDA Hackathon 2023

Emmanuel has a background in Telecommunication Engineering, with a passion for Satellite Engineering; he seeks to dive deeper into Space Optical Communication. His proficiency extends to technical product development as seen in his current role with Innov8 Hub, positioning him at the forefront of technology.

Olumide Ogungbemi

Olumide S. Ogungbemi is a Space scientist, Research and Development (R&D) Specialist, Health Disaster Risk Reduction Specialist and Geospatial Data Scientist with a BSc in Geography from the University of Lagos. He works as a Professional Services Assistant and Research and Development Support for Sambus Geospatial Limited, an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) official distributor in West Africa with the Nigeria office.

Olumide co-founded AGAPE Global Health and Education (AGHE), a non-profit organisation supporting good health and well-being and quality education of Goals 3 and 4, respectively.

He has experience analysing location data to inform decisions in business and non-profit settings in local and international contexts. He is consulting for InStrat Global Health Solutions and building the next generation of geospatial users in Africa as a Development Project Manager for GISfor Africa.

He was part of the first SG[Nigeria] as an Organising Committee team member of the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) in 2023.

Outside work, he enjoys listening to music, watching football and travelling.

Daniel Isah

Daniel is a passionate newspace analyst with a background in physics and skilled in data science. He has gained practical experience as a research and development intern at the Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited. He is interested in Space sustainability and Space application. He is the first place winner of the maiden space for Africa essay competition hosted by the African Space Leadership Institute.

In addition to his professional pursuits, He is also an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He strongly believes that space technology can play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Daniel actively promotes the importance of utilizing space resources and technology to address global challenges and improve the lives of mankind both here on earth and in space.

One of Daniel’s notable qualities is his enthusiasm for educating young minds about space and its wonders. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of African space leaders.

Saheed Oyetunji

Saheed Oyekunle Oyetunji is a passionate advocate for space education and awareness from Nigeria, He’s a Geospatial analyst with a degree in Remote Sensing and Geoscience Information Systems(GIS) from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. He currently serves on the SGAC Scholarship team and the organising committee of the Africa Space Generation workshop. Previously, he served as a member of the organising committee of the Space Generation Fusion forum.

Through the Space4all Initiative, he promotes advancing space education and awareness, inspiring the next generation of space leaders in Africa. In 2023, he won the SGAC African Space Leader Award, recognizing his contributions to the sector.

Saheed envisions a career in Earth Observation, Space and satellite technology while pursuing professional development opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field.