The National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has provided training, materials, and tools to 100 youths from Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti, to enable them to install and maintain solar devices and apply them for various other purposes.
The one-week training, held under the auspices of the NASENI Skill Acquisition & Empowerment Programme (NSAP), ended last Friday, focusing not only on training the youths on modern methods of electrical installations and maintenance, but also on the exercise being firmly rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places strong emphasis on skills development and economic inclusion as essential pathways to a prosperous Nigeria.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, at the closing ceremony of the programme said, “NASENI shares the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we are proud to contribute through practical training that translates knowledge into employable competence.”
The EVC/CEO represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Agency Dr Mrs. Olayinka Komolafe, affirmed that the 100 youths of Ikole Ekiti and its environs who participated in the programme have been equipped with the necessary competencies required to meet the growing demand for skilled electrical and maintenance personnel in our economy.
According to him “through targeted capacity building, strategic partnerships and promotion of practical technological skills, NASENI seeks to translate knowledge and innovation into tangible solutions that address the needs of Nigerians. This training programme is therefore a practical expression of that mandate-taking skills and technological knowledge beyond laboratories and institutions and bringing them closer to the people, particularly at the grassroots, where they can create opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and contribute to sustainable community and national development.
The Chairman of the Occasion who is the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences (FUTES), Iyin Ekiti, Prof. Olugbenga Aribisala, represented by Prince Bayo Francis Fafure, thanked the management of NASENI for the empowerment training and materials, while admonishing the participants to make good use of the equipment given to them and to continue search for more knowledge on solar installation and maintenance, and to develop business acumen, leading to wealth creation through the skills acquired during the training.
In his goodwill message, High Chief Oluwole Ogunsakin, representing the Community leadership, praised NASENI for coming to Ikole Ekiti, selecting indigenes for the training programme, therefore, he urged the beneficiaries not to play with the opportunity. He said, “with this training, you have not only been impacted with knowledge; you have also been provided starter kits designed to help you begin the journey to self-reliance and prosperity immediately.” He, however, urged the beneficiaries to view the starter packs as tools for transformation and to use them wisely, practice diligently, and remain committed to excellence.
On his part, HRM Oba Engr. Femi Aribisala advised the trainees not to sell the packs given to them. He urged them to always remember what they learnt during the training as it will help them to build their business in future. He also promised that the royal fathers will carry out checks on all the trainees to ensure that the packs are well utilized. He also called on NASENI to set up a mechanism for carrying out monitoring of the progress by the trainees.
The set of empowerment materials and equipment handed over to the participants included: Complete Electrical Toolbox, Multimeter Screwing Machine, Protective & Safety Apparel, Cordless Drilling machine and Torgue Wrench, amongst others.
