NASENI empowers 250 Ohafia indigenes with solar solutions, cookstoves

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered 250 indigenes of Asaga, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, with renewable energy technologies and other tools under its Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

The beneficiaries received items including NASENI Home Solar Solutions comprising solar fans, panels and power banks, as well as NASENI Save 80 Cookstoves, during the programme held on Thursday.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the programme was designed to provide Nigerians with relevant skills, tools and technologies to improve productivity, build sustainable livelihoods and participate in the growing innovation-driven economy.

Halilu said Abia was particularly significant to NASENI because of the state’s reputation for enterprise, creativity, manufacturing and value creation, adding that these qualities aligned with the agency’s focus on “Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation”.

He said the items provided to the beneficiaries should be regarded as an investment in their productive capacity rather than a handout, urging them to deploy the tools to improve their livelihoods and create opportunities for others.

“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,” Halilu said.

The NASENI boss added that the agency would measure the success of the programme by its impact on lives, businesses, jobs and communities, rather than by the number of programmes organised or items distributed.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, commended NASENI for taking the programme to his hometown and called for deeper collaboration to enable young people in Abia to develop their existing skills and entrepreneurial potential.