The Earthly Challenge Of Egusi In Space [Editorial]
AWAY from a repertoire of depressing stories, Nigeria recently recorded some uplifting news. Before the euphoria of the Super Falcons’ 2024 WAFCON triumph could fade, the country had yet another reason to celebrate. The national basketball team, D’Tigress, claimed their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, decisively defeating Mali 78–64 in Rabat, Morocco. Around the same time, the media buzzed with reports that one of the nation’s famous staples, egusi, had embarked on an unprecedented journey to the International Space Station (ISS). One ecstatic outlet even proclaimed, “Egusi is floating in space right now!”
At a time when many Nigerians struggle to cling to the last straws of hope that good things can still emerge from Beloved Motherland, their humble and unassuming egusi catches a free flight to space. Alongside several seeds from countries across the world, and hundreds of miles above the farmlands where it once sprouted, the protein-rich seed participates in a series of controlled experiments to observe its physiological and morphological changes, assess its internal viability, and determine whether microgravity has caused genetic changes or influenced gene expression, among other scientific enquiries.
The symbolism is invigorating. The egusi flight metaphorises optimism that the nation can soar above socio-political and economic struggles; the indomitable spirit of a nation pushing forward despite its troubles. It indicates we still retain an enviable place in our capability to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge. Again, if ‘ordinary’ egusi can “float” in space, then the country’s roughly 70 per cent youth population under the age of 30 and 42 per cent under 15 can dare to dream. They can also be positive that their aspirations are not bound by geography, and their creative output can reach the most unexpected frontiers.
The feat would not have been possible had the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) — the front-man of all Nigerians on extraterrestrial matters — not lived up to its billing, mustering human and fiscal resources to answer the international call of duty. As part of the assignment, the agency’s Director of Communication, Dr Felix Ale, explained that “these seeds will be studied…contributing to research on climate resilience, food security, and the future of agriculture in space.”
Elsewhere in the world, such experiments have yielded appreciable results. China has a well-established breeding programme, also known as space mutagenesis, to develop new crop varieties. Crops exposed to the harsh realities of space have returned to Earth with enhanced resilience, producing higher yields in challenging conditions. While it’s not a guaranteed success for every seed, the process has proven effective in generating valuable new strains.
In Nigeria, where clashes over farmland have too often turned deadly, strengthening agriculture is an investment in peace. Crops that can withstand harsher conditions could help reduce scarcity, tension, and displacement in rural communities. If Nigeria can harness lessons from its microgravity experiments and marry them with sustained agricultural research at home, the benefits could be far-reaching.
Beyond the scientific findings, Nigeria’s participation strengthens its hand in the subtle art of science diplomacy; building trust, credibility, and influence through collaborative research. Considering that political alliances often falter, partnerships like these can create enduring bridges between nations and foster a reputation for competence and reliability in global scientific circles.
Nevertheless, it is instructive to remind the authorities of yet another of the country’s cultural treasures, which, if allowed to flourish, could transform governance to sublime heights. Equally humble and unassuming as the egusi: it is the Yoruba proverb, “Aiye la jẹ́ kí a tó jẹ́ ọ̀run.” (We must live well on Earth before we enjoy heaven.) As the Federal Government basks in the bliss that one of its agencies’ participation in a global experiment has put the first Nigerian item in space, there must be a recommitment to make the country liveable, alongside an acknowledgement of the unfortunate ironies tagging the global seeds initiative.
Other countries reportedly participating in the multinational agricultural enterprise are Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala, India, Maldives, Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan. Lamentably, based on recent data, Nigeria has not fared equally against some of these policies. Its GDP per capita (PPP) is lower than what is obtained in Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Maldives. India and Egypt, while also having a large population like Nigeria, have higher GDP per capita. Again, Nigeria is currently bogged down by a high poverty rate. It grapples with high inflation and inadequate infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, with frustrating ripples in other key sectors.
Laudable as the egusi-in-space narrative is, it would have struck a deeper chord with ordinary Nigerians had it crowned decades of sustainable agricultural policies and consistent execution. It would have sat perfectly within a commentary grounded in verifiable Federal Government achievements: from advances in food preservation and improved transport links between the nation’s agricultural hubs and consumer markets, to enhanced welfare for farmers and, most critically, the provision of reliable security across farms and forests.
When egusi and seeds from the other nations met at Cape Canaveral in Florida, and sauntered into the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, what might they have discussed? Did the others wonder how their counterpart managed to arrive at the United States amid unending reports about bloody farmers-herders clashes in Nigeria? And what did the agricultural ambassador say in response? Did egusi confess to his peers that many Nigerians, on account of inflation, could not afford the luxury of culinary interactions with him? Were the co-travellers surprised to see the rep participate in a global experiment, after they had been aware that Nigerian authorities were less sincere about agricultural research and food security initiatives than they were about oil wealth?
NASRDA’s capacity to successfully oversee seed selection, documentation, logistics, and institutional representation, from the early planning stages through to the launch phase, sets a worthy example for dozens of federal agencies on the value of executing projects with precision and commitment. It also underscores the broader truth that national glory is more likely to beckon when government sets aside peripheral engagements and concentrates energies on constitutional duties.
Few, if any, believed the familiar staple would ultimately wind up in the ISS. It has. The voyage should not be measured by headlines or social media applause but rather as a seed of possibility in the national imagination. Let it be watered by sound policies, consistent investment, and protected by good governance until it bears fruit in thriving farms, markets, and families who have enough to eat. The egusi has floated in space; now let it flourish on earth.
