Not less than 250 indigenes of Asaga, Ohafia in Abia State benefited from the on-going National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).
As stated in a press release by the agency’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the empowerment programme took place in the state last Thursday.
When NASENI Empowered 250 Abia Indigenes
NASENI, through NSEP, was providing relevant skills, tools and renewable technologies including NASENI Home Solar Solutions (solar fan, panel, power bank), cookstoves, etc.
They were aimed at helping the beneficiaries become more productive, build sustainable livelihoods and participate meaningfully in the growing innovation-driven economy.
In his welcome address, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Halilu, stated that the agency’s presence in Abia State was particularly significant.
He noted that the state has long been recognised for its enterprise, creativity, manufacturing culture and the determination of its people to create value.
Halilu appreciated the beneficiaries and everyone present at the flag-off ceremony for their patience and understanding, noting that NASENI’s mandate was ultimately about people.
“We believe that science, technology and engineering must move beyond laboratories and institutions and translate into practical solutions that improve livelihoods, create opportunities and strengthen communities. That is the thinking behind NSEP.
“Through this programme, we are taking NASENI directly to Nigerians, providing relevant skills, tools and technologies that can help people become more productive, build sustainable livelihoods and participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s growing innovation-driven economy.
“Our presence here in Abia State is particularly significant. Abia has long been recognised for its enterprise, creativity, manufacturing culture and the determination of its people to create value.
“These qualities strongly align with the new NASENI we are building: an institution focused on Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
“Under our strategic direction, we are moving from research for its own sake to solutions that people can use, businesses can adopt and industries can scale,” he added.
According to Halilu, NSEP was an important part of that journey, adding that “innovation only becomes meaningful when its impact reaches the people.
“To our beneficiaries, the support you receive today is not simply a handout. It is an opportunity and an investment in your productive capacity.
“We expect you to put it to work, create value from it, improve your livelihoods and, where possible, create opportunities for others. We are also committed to measuring the impact of these interventions.”
He, however, emphasised that, for NASENI, success was not simply the number of programmes organised or items distributed.
He further stressed that success has to do with the number of lives improved, businesses strengthened, jobs supported and communities made more productive.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, appreciated NASENI for bringing NSEP to his hometown.
He added that the programme was an assurance that the present administration is doing everything possible to ensure that Nigerians feel the impact of good governance, create job opportunities and self-reliance.
Takang, however, called for more relationship with NASENI to enable the collaboration which according to him has started with the flag-off ceremony of NSEP in Ohafia, to enable the youth from Abia state improve more on the potentials they already have.
