Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Executive Vice Chairman /Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has stated that for Nigeria to achieve meaningful industrial growth, scientific and engineering ideas must be transformed into practical, job-relevant and marketable skills.
Mr. Halilu who made this declaration on Friday at Ime Obi, Ezechima Square, Onitsha, Anambra State, at the closing ceremony of a 5-day NASENI Skill Acquisition and Youth Empowerment Programme for 100 youths of the state, said that NASENI’s mandate goes beyond research alone, but ensures that science and engineering truly impact lives.
Represented by the Coordinating Director, Planning and Business Development Directorate, NASENI, Dr. Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, he stated that the training which focused on “Modern Methods of Electrical Installations and Maintenance” is 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.
“NASENI shares this vision and we are proud to contribute through practical training that translates knowledge into employable competence”, he noted. “Consequently, the 100 youths of Onitsha who participated in this programme have been equipped with the necessary competencies required to meet the growing demand for skilled electrical and maintenance personnel in our economy.
“With this training, we have not only impacted knowledge; we have also provided starter kits designed to help them begin their journey immediately.” He, however, urged the beneficiaries to view the starter packs as tools for transformation and use them wisely, practice diligently, and remain committed to excellence.
While advising the trainees not to sell the packs given to them, Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, urged them to always remember what they learnt in the course of the training as it will help them to build their business in future. He also promised them that there will be monthly check on all the trainees to ensure that the packs are well utilized. He also called on NASENI to come once in 6-months to monitor the progress.
In his goodwill message, the Mayor of Onitsha, Ezennia Ibekwe praised NASENI for coming to Onitsha North and South LGAs and selecting indigenes of the state for the training programme, therefore, he urged the beneficiaries not to play with it.
He stated that the kind of leadership the present administration has shown to the people of Onitsha is what the country needs as the rate of unemployment Nigerian youths is increasing on daily basis. The trainees went home with electrical tools, comprising of Complete Electrical Tool Box. Multimeter, Screwing Machine, Protective and Safety Apparel, Cordless Drilling Machine, Torque Wrench, Safety Boot and helmet.
Earlier, NASENI delegations led by Dr. Mrs. Noyem Onyechi paid a courtesy visit to Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Nnameka Alfred Achebe and his Royal Chiefs.
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