The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has reiterated its commitment to creating solutions for households and communities to improve productivity, reduce hardship, and expand economic opportunities.
Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu said this in Onitsha, Anambra State, during the skill acquisition training for 100 youths in modern methods of electrical installation and maintenance under NASENI’s Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) across communities in Nigeria.
The beneficiaries, comprising young men and women selected through their representatives, were trained and equipped with the necessary tools for empowerment, skills development, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.
Halilu, represented by the Director of Planning and Policy Analysis (PPA), Nonyem Onyechi, said the programme was founded on a simple but important conviction: science, technology and innovation were expected to produce tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, the NSEP is part of NASENI’s contribution to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic inclusion, job creation, human capital development and sustainable growth.
Describing the intervention as relevant in the state renowned for enterprise, craftsmanship, commerce and resilience, Halilu pledged the Agency’s readiness to support the entrepreneurial spirit with appropriate technologies and opportunities for improved performance.
“For us, empowerment must go beyond the distribution of items. Real empowerment should reduce costs, improve productivity, strengthen capacity and give people greater control over their economic future,” he said.
The NASENI boss thanked traditional institutions, community leaders, partners, and implementing teams for their support, urging beneficiaries to use the items responsibly and productively.
“NASENI will continue working to ensure that Nigeria’s technological advancement is something Nigerians can see, use and benefit from in their everyday lives,” he added.
Traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, thanked the Institute for choosing his community for the 5-day exercise, calling it a privilege.
He said the beneficiaries were expected to cascade the training to the grassroots and called on them to maximise the opportunity.
“The training is a privilege for us and fits into our overall youth leadership and development initiatives.
“After these practical trainings, the beneficiaries are expected to undergo another training on how to manage and grow their businesses, including understanding the difference between capital and profit.
“There’s also a need for them to believe in themselves. There’s no success without hard work. We need more of these programmes, especially in agriculture and farming,” he added.
