The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched its Sustainable Empowerment Programme in Kano State with over 2000 households benefiting from the agency’s clean and reliable energy solutions aimed at reducing the impact of climate change.
This was contained in a press release, on Tuesday, e-signed by the NASENI Director, Information, Mr Olusegun Ayeoyenikan.
The empowerment programme, held at Fabs Event Centre, Kano, saw thousands of men and women smiling home with NASENI clean cookstove, home solar solutions and other tools.
These tools, it was disclosed, will enhance access to clean and reliable energy solutions for households in rural and semi-urban communities.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, flagged off the event.
She said the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme was a practical demonstration of how Nigeria’s industrial, trade, and investment agenda was being translated into real outcomes for citizens.
She commended the NASENI leadership for the initiative that celebrated excellence in Nigerian enterprise, industrial productivity, and the practical realisation of Nigeria First Policy.
The minister said the initiative directly supported the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly its priorities around industrialisation, job creation, local productivity, and inclusive economic growth.
She said: “Kano’s selection as host for this programme is particularly significant. Historically, Kano has been one of West Africa’s major commercial and manufacturing hubs, with deep strengths in trade, textiles, agro-processing, and enterprise.”
She added that NASENI’s intervention aligns directly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by localising technology deployment and expanding practical, productive assets for Nigerian households and businesses.
“Thank you EVC for your commitment to advancing indigenous innovation, strengthening domestic industrial capacity and positioning Nigerian-made solutions as competitive drivers of sustainable trade expansion and national prosperity,” she added.
In his welcome remarks, NASENI EVC, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative empowers households with clean cookstoves that reduced smoke and save fuel, solar home systems that provided reliable electricity, and practical solutions for their homes and businesses.
“These are Nigerian-made solutions, built for Nigerian realities. This programme is part of NASENI’s bigger mission— the Zero Carbon (ZeCo) Project.
“The ZeCo Project focuses on: reducing carbon emissions, protecting our environment, promoting cleaner and safer energy for our people.
“What you are receiving today is not just support; it is part of a larger national effort to build a cleaner and healthier Nigeria.
“This programme is not just empowerment. It is about dignity. It is about improving your quality of life. It is about giving you tools to do more, earn more, and live better.
“To our beneficiaries, use these tools wisely. Take care of them. Let them improve your homes and your businesses. Let them support your families and your future,” Halilu added.
Goodwill messages came from Chairman, Presidential Initiative on Technology Transfer (PICTT), Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu;
National Coordinator, African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Mrs Patience Okala; Perm Secretary, Alhaji Salisu Mustapha who represented Head of Service of Kano State Government.
