250 Abia Households Benefit From NASENI’s Empowerment Programme

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered 250 households in Asaga Ohafia, Abia State as part of the state’s edition of the agency’s Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

At the event, the executive vice chairman/chief executive officer of the agency, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the programme was part of the agency’s mandate which is ultimately about people.

He said, “As we continue to take NSEP across Nigeria, our objective is to ensure that the possibilities created by science, engineering and innovation translate into opportunities for Nigerians, wherever they live.

”This is what we mean when we say Infinite possibilities. Possibilities that are created, possibilities that are shared, and most importantly, possibilities that deliver measurable impact.

”Our presence here in Abia State is particularly significant. Abia has long been recognised for its enterprise, creativity, manufacturing culture and the determination of its people to create value.

”Under our strategic direction, we are moving from research for its own sake to solutions that people can use, businesses can adopt and industries can scale,”

According to chairman/chief executive officer, the NSEP is an important part of the journey because innovation only becomes meaningful when its impact reaches the people.

‎‎While thanking the state governor, Alex Otti, for his warm reception and support for the programme, he commended him for the ongoing transformation across the state.

‎‎”I also acknowledge our partners, particularly the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and everyone whose collaboration has made today’s programme possible,” he said.

‎‎ Halilu, who informed the beneficiaries that the support was not simply a handout, noted that it was an opportunity and an investment in their productive capacity.

‎‎”We expect you to put it to work, create value from it, improve your livelihoods and, where possible, create opportunities for others,” he, therefore, added.

‎‎In his address, the managing director/chief executive officer of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Armstrong Ume-Takang, noted with appreciation the impact the programme would have on the beneficiaries.

‎‎Ume-Takang, who attracted the programme, said it was part of his efforts to complement the sustainable livelihood support initiative of President Bola Tinubu and Otti in the community.

‎‎In their separate remarks, the director general, Greater Ohafia Development Agency, Obinna Odum and a former member for Ohafia South constituency in the state House Assembly, Mba Ukaha, said the programme was apt.

‎‎According to the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Oba Uka, Ume-Takang has further demonstrated that charity begins at home and commended him for his benevolence to the people.

‎‎In her reaction, one of the beneficiaries, Nnenna Kalu, expressed appreciation to the agency, Ume-Takang and the ministry, assuring that she would use the item to improve her life.

‎‎The items include solar systems comprising solar fans, solar panels, and clean cooking stoves.