The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has distributed locally manufactured solar home systems and clean cooking stoves to over 300 residents of Ondo State. The beneficiaries, selected from the state's three senatorial districts, received the items at an empowerment programme held at the Dr Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre in Akure. This initiative aims to improve access to clean energy, reduce household health risks, and promote indigenous technology.
The programme is part of the Federal Government's National Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) and aligns with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on economic self-reliance, local production, and youth-centred development. Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated that the initiative provides immediate relief to vulnerable households and stimulates local industries, creating employment opportunities and encouraging Nigerians to adopt homegrown technological solutions.
The Minister of Youth Development emphasized that the selection of beneficiaries was not based on political affiliation, ensuring that government interventions reach ordinary Nigerians in need of support. Beneficiaries will also receive stipends to establish and expand micro-businesses, making the intervention more sustainable. Olawande highlighted that the clean cooking stoves will reduce health risks associated with smoke from firewood, while the solar systems will provide electricity for students and small-scale business operators.
The programme has been extended to several states, including Kano, Katsina, Lagos, and Oyo, as part of efforts to expand its nationwide coverage. NASENI's Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, stated that the agency focuses on converting research and development into practical products addressing Nigerians' needs. The locally manufactured solar systems and clean cooking stoves aim to promote indigenous technology, generate employment, and provide solutions to community challenges.
Khalil Halilu explained that the initiative strengthens local manufacturing and creates employment opportunities through the production of Nigerian-made equipment. He expressed satisfaction with NASENI's collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, describing the partnership as a step towards sustainable development. Halilu assured that more empowerment initiatives will be introduced to improve living conditions, promote local manufacturing, and create opportunities for economic advancement.
The Nigeria Youth Academy (NYA) will be launched on November 9, focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, offering grants ranging from N5 million to N20 million to support promising young entrepreneurs. Minister Olawande urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items, describing the intervention as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods. The programme demonstrates President Tinubu's commitment to fulfilling his promises and making government interventions beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.
The empowerment programme is a significant step towards achieving sustainable development in Ondo State, providing essential tools and support to residents. As the programme continues to expand nationwide, it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many Nigerians, promoting local industries, creating employment opportunities, and improving access to clean energy and healthcare.
Key points
- Over 300 Ondo residents receive solar home systems and clean cooking stoves under NASENI's National Sustainable Empowerment Programme.
- The programme aims to improve access to clean energy, reduce household health risks, and promote indigenous technology.
- Beneficiaries will also receive stipends to establish and expand micro-businesses, making the intervention more sustainable.
