The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) on Thursday launched its Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) in Abia.
The ceremony, held at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, Ohafia, targeted about 250 beneficiaries.
Empowerment items distributed included home solar systems comprising solar fans, solar panels and clean cooking stoves.
Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, said science and technology must go beyond laboratories to impact livelihoods.
He said NSEP was designed to take NASENI directly to Nigerians with skills, tools and technologies that boost productivity.
He noted that Abia’s enterprise and manufacturing culture aligned with NASENI’s new focus on creation, collaboration and commercialisation.
Halilu urged the beneficiaries to see the support as an investment in their productive capacity and not a handout.
He stressed that NASENI would measure success by lives improved, businesses strengthened and communities made more productive.
Halilu explained that clean cooking stoves would reduce dependence on wood while solar systems would power shops and schools.
He said the programme was continuous and would empower hundreds of beneficiaries across the country.
The NASENI boss appreciated Dr Armstrong Takang, Managing Director of Ministry of Finance Incorporated, for supporting the programme, adding that it would not have been possible without him.
In his remarks, Takang, who was the special guest, described the event as a way of giving back to the community.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and for approving projects that benefit Abia residents.
Takang, a native of Asaga-Ohafia, announced that Governor Alex Otti had committed to inaugurating the school he built for his people and would visit the community soon.
He said the President believed public office holders should start by serving their people, hence the donation of the school.
He revealed that Otti was also working with the Rural Electrification Agency to extend power to Ohafia communities.
He added that a team from the Presidential Initiative on CNG and Electric Vehicles had met in Umuahia for an upcoming rollout.
Takang noted that development meant using access and opportunities to uplift people, adding that a rich man in a poor community was still poor.
In a goodwill message, Obinna Odum, Director General of Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), pledged partnership with NASENI.
He said GODA was ready to scale the intervention across local governments in Abia.
He described NASENI’s engineering solutions as key to improving health, livelihoods and well-being in rural communities.
The event was attended by community leaders, beneficiaries and government officials.
