NASENI Leads National Empowerment Drive As 1000 Lagosians Get Clean Cookstoves, Solar Systems 

The National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, on Saturday distributed clean cookstoves, solar home systems and other empowerment kits to 1000 residents of Lagos under its NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme, NSEP.

The Lagos rollout, held at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, followed a 3-day vocational training for beneficiaries in skills ranging from upholstery to electrical installation and maintenance.

It is part of a phased nationwide intervention by the agency, which has already held editions in Kano, Imo and Abia. Lagos and Oyo represent the South West leg of the programme.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and NASENI’s mandate to deploy science and engineering to solve real problems.

“We believe that science, technology and engineering must ultimately improve lives. Our innovations must translate into useful products, practical skills, stronger livelihoods and economic opportunities. That is the thinking behind NSEP,” Halilu said.

“For us, sustainable empowerment must combine access to useful technology with the skills and opportunities people need to become more productive and self-reliant.”

He urged beneficiaries to see the intervention as an opportunity, not just a handout.

“Take the training seriously. Build on the skills you acquire and use them to create value for yourself, your family and your community,” he added.

According to him, the clean cookstoves will cut cooking time, reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, and provide households with a cleaner, more efficient energy solution.

The solar home systems, he said, will bring renewable power to rural households and small businesses to tackle epileptic electricity.

“These are not simply items being distributed. They represent our commitment to using technology and targeted interventions to address real needs,” Halilu stated.

NASENI also disclosed that 200 Lagosians are currently undergoing training in upholstery, artisan work, and electrical maintenance.

Representing the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Member representing Surulere Federal Constituency, Fuad Laguda, commended NASENI for the programme, saying it will boost Lagos’ economic sector.

The Guest of Honour and Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Hon. Abiodun Faleke, represented by the Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Simiat Bada, described the empowerment as a direct reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“When the government empowers the people, opportunities are created, and when opportunities are created, prosperity follows,” Faleke said.