The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, has trained 100 beneficiaries in modern electrical installation techniques and distributed clean cookstoves to more than 200 women in Anambra State.
The technical training was held at the Palace of the Obi of Onitsha, while the distribution of empowerment materials — including clean cookstoves, bags of rice and cash grants — took place on Friday at the Abatete Civic Centre in Idemili-North Local Government Area.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by the agency’s Director of Planning, Dr. Chika Anyanaso, said the intervention was part of the ongoing NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme, NSEP, designed to translate science and technology into tangible improvements in daily living.
“This programme is founded on a simple but important conviction: science, technology and innovation must produce tangible improvements in the everyday lives of Nigerians,” Halilu said.
He explained that NASENI’s mandate now extends beyond research and laboratories to ensuring that solutions reach homes and markets.
“Our mandate extends beyond research, laboratories and technology development. We are committed to ensuring that the solutions we create reach households and communities, improve productivity, reduce hardship and expand economic opportunities,” he said.
Halilu noted that Anambra was deliberately chosen because of its reputation for enterprise and craftsmanship.
“This intervention is particularly relevant in Abatete and across Anambra State, a part of our country renowned for enterprise, craftsmanship, commerce and resilience. The entrepreneurial spirit already exists here. Our responsibility is to support that spirit with appropriate technologies and opportunities that enable people to do more,” he added.
At the event, traditional rulers and leaders of Idemili-North and Idemili-South LGAs conferred on the NASENI boss the Igbo chieftaincy title of Nwanne Di Na Mba ( A brother from a faraway land).”
Linking the programme to federal government policy, Halilu said NSEP aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda on economic inclusion, job creation, human capital development and sustainable growth.
He urged beneficiaries to use the items productively.
“Let the Solar Home System support your household or enterprise. Let the Clean Cookstove improve your health and reduce your cooking expenses. Let the Support Pack provide relief that enables you to redirect limited resources towards other productive needs,” he said.
The CEO said NASENI is now guided by a “3Cs” philosophy — Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation — aimed at building solutions to real problems, delivering them with stakeholders, and converting them into lasting social and economic value.
“We want a multiplier effect in which one empowered individual supports a household, one productive household strengthens a community, and one intervention generates lasting benefits,” he said.
Halilu thanked the traditional institution in Abatete and NASENI’s partners and implementation teams, adding that the true impact of NSEP “will be measured by what happens after today: how these items are used, the expenses they reduce and the families whose circumstances improve.”
He said the agency will continue to expand the programme to more communities to ensure Nigerians “can see, use and benefit from” technological advancement.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of Idemili-North LGA, Mrs. Uche Onwuachu, and former Anambra Commissioner for Information, Chief Tony Onyima, who represented Hon. Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim, former member of the House of Representatives for Idemili-North/Idemili-South Federal Constituency, commended NASENI and credited Ibezim for facilitating the intervention.
Some of the beneficiaries — all mothers — expressed gratitude. They included Mrs. Adaobi Okenu, Mrs. Augustina Ikegwani, Mrs. Chibuogu Ezeemo, Mrs. Ngozi Aniekwe, Mrs. Ijeoma Metuh, Mrs. Amaka Okoye, Mrs. Chinyere Chinweze, Mrs. Ekene Ezeibe and Mrs. Bridget Umerah.
Mrs. Umerah, speaking on behalf of others, said the clean cookstoves would reduce health risks from smoke inhalation, keep their kitchens cleaner, and make cooking for their families easier.
