.FG empowers 500 Imo youths, indigent women

Chief Executive Officer of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will open up opportunities for socio-economic development of the country.

Tinubu, he asserted, will remain committed to his eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies crucial sectors for economic development.

Halilu stated this at the closing ceremony of the youths training and empowerment programme on electrical installation and maintenance, in Owerri, Imo State, at the weekend.

He disclosed that the training-cum-capacity building programme, through the unwavering support of Tinubu, was organised to continuously drive the development of science, technology, engineering and innovation in Nigeria, and to transform the lives of youths in Imo by equipping them with the skills.

He charged the 200 beneficiaries of the programme to put the acquired skills to use, adding: “Now that you have acquired these new skills, you now have in your hands the power to create economic opportunities for yourselves and even for others.

“The President’s focus on job creation and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with the goals of this programme. As a federal agency, NASENI remains steadfast in its commitment to realising this agenda and renewing hope and opportunity for all Nigerians.

“In the 21st century, the significance and value of technical and vocational skills cannot be over-emphasised, especially in a developing country like ours. The economic opportunities are limitless, for those who realise the value and commit themselves to learning and re-learning.”

Aside from the 200 trained Imo youths, NASENI also donated ‘305 Save 80 Energy Stoves’ to 305 vulnerable women in the state, which Halilu said was designed with the aim of improving their livelihoods and contributing to a sustainable and energy-efficient future.”

In his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo appreciated the Federal Government and NASENI for the initiative and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by continually supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) government at the state and federal levels for more dividends of democracy.

He said, “Let me emphasise to the beneficiaries that this is a lifetime opportunity that should not be toyed with. By availing you of this training, you are being encouraged to be financially responsible and independent. How you manage this opportunity given to you will determine your destination in life.

“My own pledge is that we will continue to do all that is possible to help Imo youths have a headstart in life. And for the women, in addition to the money, NASENI will give to you, the Imo government will top it up.”

“As we go into election in two weeks’ time, I want you and all Imo people to conduct yourself properly while exercising your franchise. Don’t disrupt the election and do not engage in any form of violence. I also expect you to make me proud in such a way that this largesse you have received today will be a continuum.”

Kenneth Ogbonna, Ekene Ihuoma, Nneka Chukwueke among other beneficiaries, who spoke to The Guardian, expressed joy over the gesture and lauded the Federal Government for the initiative.