Chinedum Treasure
National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has restated its commitment to creating solutions to households and communities targeted at improving productivity, reducing hardship and expanding economic opportunities.
Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu stated this during the skill acquisition training of 100 youths in Onitsha Anambra state on modern method of electrical installation and maintenance under the NASENI’s Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) across communities in Nigeria.
The 5-day exercise, comprising young men and women selected through their representatives were trained and equipped with necessary tools for empowerment, skills development, self reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
Halilu, represented by Director of Planning and Policy Analysis (PPA), Nonyem Onyechi said the programme founded on simple but important conviction: science, technology and innovation was expected to produce tangible improvements in lives of Nigerians.
According to him, the NSEP is part of NASENI’s contribution to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, 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 Institute’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 appreciated the traditional institution, community leadership, partners and implementing teams for their supports, urging the 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 appreciated the institute for the choice of his community for the programme, describing it as a privilege.
He said the beneficiaries were expected to cascade the training to the grassroots, calling on them to maximize the opportunity.
“The training is a privilege for us and fits into our overall youth leadership and development initiatives.
“After this practical trainings, the beneficiaries are expected to undergo another training on how to manage and growing their businesses, including knowing the difference between capital and profit.
“There’s also need for them to believe in themselves. There’s no success without hard work. We need more of these programs, especially in agriculture and farming,” he added.
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