NASENI Trains 220 Benue Youths, Women & Provides Starter Packs

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has trained 220 youths and women in Benue State, Nigeria, in solar power installation and household-product production as part of efforts to promote skills development and small business creation.

The beneficiaries, comprising 100 men and 120 women, completed a one-week practical training under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Program (NSEP) at the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, in Tarka Local Government Area. The program also provided starter packs to help participants apply their newly acquired skills and establish small businesses.

The male participants received training in electrical works, with a focus on solar power installation and the coupling of solar systems. The women were trained to produce household essentials, including soap, liquid soap and Vaseline. The training was designed to provide practical skills that could support self-employment and income generation.

In his address at the closing ceremony, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume said that the intervention was part of the Federal Government's plan to build the skills of youth and women and boost local production. Akume, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Prof Babatunde Bolaji Benard, emphasized the need to build capacity locally for Nigeria's industrial progress and to curb unemployment.

Key Highlights:

• NASENI trains 220 youths and women in solar installation and household-product production in Benue State
• Beneficiaries receive starter packs to apply their skills, start businesses and generate income
• The program promotes renewable energy, local production and job creation across communities

Akume encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the starter packs and not sell. He explained that the equipment and skills would enable the participants to start businesses that can expand, generate jobs and job opportunities for others to learn and develop these skills.

The goal of the agency was not only to train participants, according to Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Acting Coordinating Director of Engineering Infrastructure, Rasheed Agava, said the objective was to train them. NSEP had been conceived to make the practical skills and the technology translate into income generation and business creation within local communities, he said.

The solar trainees could join Nigeria's burgeoning renewable energy value chain, whereas the women could build businesses by emphasizing on product quality, packaging, branding, financial management and market access, said Halilu. He said NASENI would be examining the program for the creation of businesses, income, employment, support of families and effects on the communities.

Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Dr Tyover Ashinya praised NASENI for having chosen the institution and its host community for the program. He urged the beneficiaries to keep practicing and developing their skills, saying that practical skills would be crucial in gaining customers and establishing successful businesses.

Ashinya also requested NASENI to support the institution by furnishing it with modern equipment in the engineering laboratories and workshop. He also asked for help in setting up a solar power generation plant to ensure a steady supply of power for engineering education and hands-on projects.

The Tor Jemgbagh, David Afatyo Ajoko, also praised the initiative, describing how the training and starter packs could give the beneficiaries a chance to start businesses, create jobs and train others.

Beneficiaries also expressed their commitment to applying the skills acquired. Terfa Kuma was trained in solar power installation and said that his physical disability would not stop him from doing this as he would hire people to help if needed. Another beneficiary, Sewuese Iortyer, added that she has learnt how to manufacture soap and Vaseline and is going to be starting an income generation activity and teaching others in the community.