In direct fulfilment of its mandate to improve livelihoods through science and technology innovations, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered over 100 households in Asaga Ohafia in Ohafia LGA of Abia State with life – improving items in the Abia State edition of the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).

Presenting the items, including solar home systems and cooking stoves, to the beneficiaries at the Uma Ukpai Primary School, Asaga Ohafia, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the gesture was a demonstration of its believe that science, technology and engineering must move beyond laboratories and institutions and translate into practical solutions that improve livelihoods, create opportunities and strengthen communities.

“That is the thinking behind NSEP through this programme; we are taking NASENI directly to Nigerians, providing relevant skills, tools and technologies that can help people become more productive, build sustainable livelihoods and participate meaningfully in Nigeria’s growing innovation-driven economy,” he said.

According to him, NASENI’s presence in Abia State is particularly significant because the State has long been recognised for its enterprise, creativity, manufacturing culture and the determination of its people to create value, qualities that strongly align with the new NASENI, built on the foundation of creation, collaboration and commercialisation.

“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. NSEP is an important part of that journey because innovation only becomes meaningful when its impact reaches the people,” the CEO said and urged the beneficiaries to see the support as an opportunity for investment in their productive capacity rather than a handout.

“We expect you to put it to work, create value from it, improve your livelihoods and, where possible, create opportunities for others. We are also committed to measuring the impact of these interventions.

“For NASENI, success is not simply the number of programmes we organise or items we distribute. Success is the number of lives improved, businesses strengthened, jobs supported, and communities made more productive.

“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,” the Vice Chairman added.

While acknowledging the support of Governor Alex Oti, Khalil also appreciated the partnership of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, and others for the success of the programme.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, MOFI, Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, in his remarks, said the empowerment was complementary to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Otti’s infrastructure transformation across the nation and Abia State.

He said the gesture aligns with the President’s philosophy of using one’s position to improve the quality of life of the people because a rich man in the midst of poor people is still poor.

According to him, “We believe that development is not about what you alone benefit from; if you are not able to bring development to your people, then you are a nobody.

“So it is important that you use the access, the privileges and opportunities available to you to also uplift your people. And in that spirit we say, while we are in Abuja, what can we bring to our people.”

The MOFI MD/CEO explained that the programme was just an aspect of what he has in the basket for the people, adding that the new classroom blocks he built with his wife at the Uma Ukpai Primary School, to be commissioned soon by the Governor, is one of the projects, and was made possible by President Tinubu, who gave him the rare privilege to serve in his government.

Takang also pointed to the digital learning centre donated by the president to the community and a computer centre for the school, adding that he recently visited governor Alex Otti on the presidential initiative on CNG and electric vehicles, which would be commissioned in Umuahia soon.

He said the long-term plan is to spread empowerment programmes through the local governments in Abia North to the entire State.

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