By Dele Ogbodo
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has said driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is aimed at creating wealth and employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, it has completed a 5-day training for 100 youths in Ebonyi State on Modern Methods of Electrical Installations and Maintenance.
The training of the youths which took place at Remeritona Hotel and Suites Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from 26th-30thth November 2024, focused on advanced Installation of Electrical Wiring, Appliance Repair, Solar Power Installation, Electrical Panel Maintenance, Safety Inspections and Upgrading of Electrical Systems.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5-day training, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu said by paying particular attention to job creation through skills acquisition training, the Agency is contributing to economic growth, creating enabling environment for the development of skills and poverty alleviation, making way for socio-economic development and to guarantee a safe and brighter future for the youths.
The EVC/CEO, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Finance and Account, NASENI, Mr. Ibrahim Baba Dauda, said, “Statistics show that building construction is on the rise and there is high demand for quality electrical and maintenance skilled workforce, which is why NASENI embarked on this training, the third in the South-east zone.
The first two of the exercise took place in Anambra State on Solar Installation and Maintenance and Imo State respectively.
According the EVC/CEO, “It is imperative to let you know that we draw inspiration from President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope 8-Point Agenda, which focuses on Ending Poverty, Economic Growth, Job Creation, Food Security, Access to Capital, Improved Security, Enabling Environment, Rule of Law, and the Fight against Corruption.”
He noted that aside from job creation, the Ebonyi programme will guarantee employability and economic opportunities for the youths, meet industry demands, safety and compliance, energy efficiency, skill and community development, technology advancements, global Opportunities and personal growth amongst others.
“It is heart-warming to note that the 100 Ebonyi youths who are here today, participated in this training. These youths, our future leaders, will go forward from here to embark on a journey that will transform their lives and empower them to contribute to the growth and development of our nation generally and specifically Ebonyi State”, he stressed.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the startup kits handed over to them to build their career and train others.
He further advised the participants not to sell the kits and tools that were given to them. “You must not sell the start-up kits, because money in the accounts now is just temporary, but the skill which you have will give you identity”.
In his address, the Governor of Ebonyi Sate, Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Commissioner for Skill Development and Job Creation, Mr. Elija Okwu Oko Udu, Ebonyi state, said the training and youth empowerment carried out in collaboration with NASENI was a clear manifestation of the State’s vision to create opportunities for every Ebonyi youth to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
“Through this workshop, we did not only train 100 young men and women but also equipped them with startup tools to further their careers. This investment is a declaration of trust in your ability to lead, innovate and inspire. Skill acquisition is not just about individual growth, it is about building resilient commitment and robust economy.
The youths were handed over startup kits containing, face shield, earmuff, hard hat, coverall, insulate glove, safety boot, safety eye goggle, fishing tape, cardless hammer drill, measuring tape, wire striper, non-contact tester, Allen wrench set, wireless inspection camera and conduit bender amongst other modern electrical tools.
