NASENI empowers 120 youths in Kogi

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered 120 youths in Lokoja, Kogi State, with practical electrical installation and maintenance skills, starter packs and a cash grant of N50,000 each to promote self-reliance and economic independence.

The beneficiaries received the support at the closing ceremony of the agency’s week-long Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment Programme (SATYE), held on Friday at Reverton Hotel, Lokoja.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, disclosed this in his remarks delivered by the Acting Coordinating Director of Finance and Accounts, Ibrahim Baba Dauda.

He said the programme was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills that could translate into sustainable livelihoods, business opportunities and economic independence.

According to him, the training in modern methods of electrical installation and maintenance would position the beneficiaries to take advantage of growing opportunities in Nigeria’s building and construction industry.

“Today, we are celebrating more than the successful completion of another NASENI training programme. We are celebrating 120 Nigerians who are leaving here with practical skills that will become livelihoods, businesses and sources of economic independence,” he said.

Halilu explained that NASENI’s industrialisation vision extended beyond factories and machinery to creating opportunities for ordinary Nigerians through practical skills, technology and community-based interventions.

He noted that the growing construction of residential buildings, offices, factories, schools, farms and public institutions across the country had increased the demand for competent electrical installation and maintenance professionals.

He urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the starter packs and financial support provided by the agency, stressing that their success would determine the programme’s long-term impact.

“Your skills place you within one of the fastest-growing sectors of Nigeria’s economy, the building and construction industry,” he said.

READ ALSO: FG, NNPCL urged to revive govt-owned refineries to tackle rising oil prices

The NASENI chief executive added that the initiative aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to expand economic opportunities, strengthen human capital development and promote inclusive economic growth.

He congratulated the trainees on completing the programme and encouraged them to apply the knowledge acquired, practise diligently and maintain high professional standards.

Halilu also expressed appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, traditional rulers, religious leaders and political stakeholders in Lokoja for their support and partnership in the successful implementation of the initiative.

He equally commended the trainers, facilitators and NASENI staff for their commitment to the programme.

He reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to bringing science, technology and engineering closer to Nigerians, expressing optimism that the intervention would contribute to youth empowerment in Lokoja, Kogi State and beyond.