… NASENI targets economic self-reliance with Made-in-Nigeria tech

… Empowerment will strengthen local production – Youth Minister

The federal government has reiterated its commitment to drive economic self-reliance and promote homegrown technological solutions following an empowerment initiative targeting over 300 vulnerable residents in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The programme, organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) under the Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP), was held at the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre, where locally produced clean cooking stoves and home solar systems were distributed to beneficiaries drawn from the three senatorial district of the state.

While speaking at the event, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the initiative formed part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and was designed to strengthen the economy through Nigerian-made products and to create an ecosystem where youths are at the centre of national development.

Olawande, who stated that Akure was selected to make the initiative practical and organic, stressed that the distribution was de-politicised to ensure that the benefits reach ordinary Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.

He maintained that beyond the physical items, beneficiaries would also receive stipends to support micro-businesses, ensuring that the empowerment is sustainable.

The minister also used the occasion to disclose the upcoming launch of the Nigeria Youth Academy (NYA) programme on November 9, designed to support innovation and entrepreneurship with grants ranging from N5 million to N20 million.

He stressed that the clean cooking stove is a direct response to the health implications faced by women and children who spend hours gathering firewood, adding that the solar lighting solutions will enable students to study and small businesses to operate more effectively without relying on conventional electricity.

“We are making it a reality already, and that is why we are presently in Akure. We have been to Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Oyo, and so many other places, even in the South, South-South and South-East. Presently, we are in Akure to make it practicable that we can make it Nigerian-made, we can produce it, and we can make it for use both in solar energy and even for vulnerable people for cooking.

“This is one of those things that Mr President has promised, that we want to make sure that we increase our economy and also provide more strength to it. So, one of those things is to have made it in Nigeria, and it is made by us and being used by us, and also to support a lot of people that want to go into the business and also to care for the young and old women.

“We are presently in Akure to make it organic. We are giving over 300 beneficiaries across the state, and we are not politicising it. We want it to get to Nigerians and to start using it.

“Today, we have brought this programme to Akure, Ondo State, where over 300 beneficiaries, both male and female, are gathered. We are also taking the initiative to other states. Ondo State is a land of great potential, rich intellectual heritage and industrious people, particularly its young men and women.

“Most importantly, I want the beneficiaries to understand that this is not a political strategy. We are not saying that because we have empowered you, you must vote for us. This is about President Tinubu demonstrating that government can make promises and fulfil them. Today, we are witnessing the launch of a national sustainable empowerment programme,” Olawande stated.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Halilu, explained that the agency’s mandate is to translate research and development into actual products that impact the people.

Halilu emphasised that the goal is to produce locally made items that create employment and factor into the needs of the communities.

He expressed satisfaction with the partnership with the Ministry of Youth Development, describing the relationship as a “progress in development”, and assured that more programmes are in the pipeline to benefit the citizenry.

“To produce locally produced items, which brings about employment and also to have something factored for our communities. For example, our clean cooking stove makes cooking healthier and more efficient. Our home solar system that we distribute also helps small businesses have light throughout the day so that when kids are doing their assignments, there will always be light.

“In a nutshell, it is to translate research and development into an actual product that will impact people and also, most importantly, to make it sustainable. I’m glad to be in Akure with my brother, the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, who has been a partner in progress in development. We have done so many programmes together and we will do so many more together,” Halilu said.