The initiative, implemented under the agency’s Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment programme, seeks to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.
Abdul Suleiman|Lokoja.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered 120 youths in Lokoja, Kogi State, with practical skills in electrical installation and maintenance, alongside starter packs and a ₦50,000 cash token each to support their transition into entrepreneurship.
The five-day intensive training, which concluded on October 23, 2026, forms part of NASENI’s Skill Acquisition Training and Youth Empowerment (SATYE) programme, designed to promote technical competence, job creation and economic independence among young Nigerians.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises human capital development, youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by the agency’s Research Director, Professor Ibrahim Onuwe Abdulmalik, urged stakeholders to recognise the programme as an investment in the future of Nigerian society.
At the closing ceremony, Halilu, represented by the Acting Coordinating Director, Finance and Accounts, Ibrahim Baba Dauda, said the programme reflected NASENI’s commitment to ensuring that industrial development translates into tangible economic opportunities for ordinary Nigerians.
He explained that the agency’s industrialisation vision extends beyond factories and machinery to include the deployment of practical technologies and technical skills that enable individuals and communities to become economically productive.
According to him, electrical installation and maintenance offer significant employment and business opportunities, particularly as construction activities continue to expand across residential, commercial, industrial and public sectors.
He noted that new homes, offices, factories, farms, schools and other public institutions require competent electrical installation and maintenance professionals, creating opportunities for trained youths to establish businesses and provide essential services.
The NASENI chief executive said the initiative was consistent with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s domestic building and construction industry while expanding economic opportunities for young people.
The 120 beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the training, which equipped them with practical competencies to meet the growing demand for skilled electrical technicians.
Beyond the technical knowledge acquired, the provision of starter packs and ₦50,000 each is expected to help the beneficiaries commence work, acquire essential materials and gradually establish sustainable businesses.
The Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV, commended NASENI for extending the programme to his domain and equipping young people with relevant skills for economic advancement.
His address was delivered by the Maitawalle of Lokoja, Alhaji Adamu Muhammed Alabi.
Similarly, the Maiyaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Ali Lawal Jiya, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by applying the knowledge acquired to improve their livelihoods and raise professional standards in electrical installation and maintenance.
He also encouraged them to adopt better working methods and maintain quality service delivery, particularly in the housing, oil and gas, and construction sectors.
NASENI reaffirmed its commitment to bringing science, technology and engineering closer to communities through practical training and technology-driven interventions.
Under its 3Cs framework of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, the agency continues to pursue initiatives aimed at developing technical skills, supporting enterprise growth and creating employment opportunities.
The successful completion of the Lokoja training underscores the importance of practical skills development in addressing youth unemployment and strengthening local economic capacity.
With the necessary skills, starter packs and financial support, the beneficiaries are expected to translate their training into productive ventures, contributing to economic growth in Kogi State and beyond.
