Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has completed the training of 120 youths of Lokoja, Kogi State, on electrical installation and maintenance, equipping them with the skills and tools to contribute to the development of one of the fastest-growing sectors of Nigeria’s economy, the building and construction industry.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Christo Zera Hall, Reverton Hotels, Lokoja, Executive Vice Chairman, of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by the Acting Coordinating Director, Finance and Accounts of the Agency, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Dauda, celebrated the successful 120 youths empowered with practical skills that will become livelihoods, businesses, and sources of economic independence.
The NASENI boss equally expressed his profound appreciation to the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, his chiefs, religious leaders and political leadership of Lokoja for their support and partnership throughout this initiative.
He said through the intervention named NASENI Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment Programme (SATYE), 120 young men and women of Lokoja, Kogi State received training on “Modern Methods of Electrical Installation and Maintenance”, giving them practical skills that can translate directly into economic opportunity.
“At NASENI, our vision of industrialisation goes beyond factories and machines. Industrial development must ultimately create opportunities for ordinary Nigerians. This is why SATYE takes practical skills, technologies and economic opportunities directly to communities across the length and breadth of country, new homes, offices, businesses, factories, farms, schools and public institutions are increasingly springing up and they need your services.
“NASENI is supporting the development of Nigeria’s domestic building and construction industry. This is consistent with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to expand economic opportunities, strengthen human capital and build a more productive and inclusive Nigerian economy,” he said, adding that the 120 beneficiaries have been equipped with the necessary competencies required to meet the growing demand for skilled electrical and maintenance personnel in the economy.
“With this training, we have not only impacted knowledge; we have also provided starter packs and cash token of N50,000 each designed to help them begin their journey immediately. The knowledge you have gained here is a valuable asset. As you receive the starter packs today, please view them as tools for transformation. Use them wisely, practice diligently, and remain committed to excellence. Your success will be the true measure of the impact of this programme,’ he added.
In his keynote address, the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, lauded NASENI for bringing the skill acquisition programme to his domain and equipping the youths with relevant practical skills that will contribute to the economic development of the city.
Consequently, he charged the beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity, saying the training has provided them with a platform to improve their professional competence, learn better working methods, and strengthen their capacity to deliver quality services.
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