NASENI Trains 220 Benue Youths on Solar Installation, Home Essentials
Pan Afric Reporters
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced the training and empowerment of 220 residents of Wannune, Gboko local government area, Benue State, under its NASENI Skill Acquisition Programme (NSAP).
The beneficiaries are being trained on solar installation and home essentials as part of the Agency’s efforts to equip Nigerians with practical skills that can create jobs, promote entrepreneurship and provide sustainable sources of income.
Speaking at the flag-off of the programme, representative of the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and Acting Managing Director of the Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute (SOMEDI), Mr. Barnabas Ikyo, said the initiative was designed to take science, technology and engineering solutions from laboratories to homes, businesses and communities.
The programme implemented by NASENI in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would deploy practical technologies and skills based on its three core principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and convert the skills acquired into businesses and employment opportunities. “The skills you will learn in clean energy, solar installation, electrical maintenance and other trades are not just for today. They are tools to generate jobs, start businesses, and become employers of labour,” he said.
Ikyo added that the success of the programme would ultimately be measured by its impact on the beneficiaries after the training, particularly their ability to earn income and improve the livelihoods of their households through the skills acquired. The skill acquisition training is part of NASENI’s broader efforts to expand economic opportunities and promote sustainable livelihoods across the country.
“This is an investment in your productive capacity,” he said, adding that the beneficiaries were being equipped with technologies and skills that could be transformed into services, businesses and sustainable sources of income.
He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, for supporting the programme and advocating for the inclusion of Benue State among its beneficiaries. Ikyo urged the beneficiaries to apply the skills acquired diligently and become ambassadors of NASENI in their communities.
The NASENI Skill Acquisition programme is part of the Agency’s broader efforts to leverage science, technology and engineering to improve livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship and create employment opportunities across Nigeria.
