Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched a nationwide community empowerment programme in science, technology, renewable energy and skills acquisition for youths and women, an initiative of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI, in Kano State. The programme will train more than 160 participants across the six geopolitical zones in solar installation and maintenance, mobile phone hardware repairs, and electrical and electronics maintenance.
Represented by the Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, Musaddiq Mustapha Adamu, Shettima described the initiative as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at creating jobs and equipping Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills. He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity, stressing that the government was investing in their future and expecting meaningful returns.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Dr Ibrahim Abdulkadir, said the programme would promote innovation, human capital development and inclusive economic growth through technology driven interventions. He commended NASENI for supporting youth empowerment and encouraged participants to use the skills acquired to improve their livelihoods and create employment.
NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said beneficiaries would receive practical training in renewable energy, welding and fabrication, food processing, packaging and other demand driven skills. He added that the agency was also supporting schools with laptops and STEM innovation kits to nurture future technology creators and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial development.