The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has commenced a five-day electrical installation training programme for 120 youths in Kogi State to promote employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
The programme, which began in Lokoja on Monday, is part of the agency’s efforts to equip young Nigerians with practical skills to improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, disclosed this in his opening address, represented by the Director of Research, Engineer (Prof.) Abdulmalik Onuwe Ibrahim.
He said the agency had implemented similar skills acquisition programmes in more than 26 states, adding that participants in Kogi would receive practical training and equipment to enable them to apply their knowledge after the programme.
“The initiative is part of the agency’s commitment to promoting innovation, developing technical skills and creating opportunities for Nigerians to become self-reliant,” he said.
Halilu added that participants would be provided with working equipment after the training to help them establish sustainable sources of income.
He said the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on employment generation, skills development and economic empowerment.
He urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, listen to their instructors and use the opportunity to improve their lives and contribute to society.
Also speaking, the Maigari of Lokoja, represented by the Maitawali of Lokoja, Alhaji Adamu Muhammed, encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity, noting that vocational skills could help address unemployment when properly applied.
“No knowledge is a waste; go and learn skills if the certificate is not giving you a job. Technical knowledge is the in-thing everywhere in the world, not paper qualification,” the traditional ruler said.
He urged NASENI to support efforts to revive technical colleges in Kogi State, describing technical and vocational education as essential to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Maiyaki of Lokoja, Alhaji Ali Lawal, also advised participants to remain focused and acquire practical knowledge they could use to solve problems and earn a living.
He emphasised the importance of developing expertise through continuous learning and practice.
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