- NASENI distributed locally manufactured solar home systems and clean cooking stoves to 330 beneficiaries across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.
- The Federal Government plans to provide additional financial support to beneficiaries to strengthen micro-businesses and expand grassroots entrepreneurship.
The Federal Government has distributed locally manufactured solar home systems, clean cooking stoves and other household products to 330 residents across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas. The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) implemented the intervention under its Sustainable Empowerment Programme.
NASENI Promotes Local Technology and Manufacturing
Speaking at the distribution ceremony on Saturday, NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khalil Halilu, said the programme translates research and development into practical solutions. He added that it creates economic opportunities and improves living conditions.
Halilu urged Nigerians to adopt locally developed technologies. He said wider adoption would stimulate domestic manufacturing, create jobs and address household challenges.
“This is to promote locally produced items which bring about employment and also to have something good for our communities,” he said.
He added, “Our mandate finds its fullest meaning when technologies we develop and promote help people solve real problems, become more productive and improve their standards of living.”
Solar Systems and Clean Stoves Target Household Needs
Halilu explained that the solar home systems would provide household lighting, help children study at night and support small businesses.
He said the clean cooking stoves would offer more efficient cooking options and reduce smoke exposure when properly used.
The NASENI chief executive disclosed that the Sustainable Empowerment Programme had reached more than 10 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He said the initiative takes locally developed technologies beyond research facilities and makes them accessible to households and businesses.
FG Promises Financial Support for Beneficiaries
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the beneficiaries would receive additional financial support to establish or strengthen micro-businesses.
Olawande described the intervention as “an effort to take technology-based solutions and economic opportunities to grassroots communities”. He stressed that the programme was not a political strategy.
The minister highlighted the importance of clean cooking stoves for women who rely on firewood and other traditional cooking methods. These practices expose women and children to cooking smoke.
Nigeria Youth Academy to Support Entrepreneurship
Olawande announced that the Ministry of Youth Development would launch the Nigeria Youth Academy on November 9. The programme will support innovation and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
He disclosed that some beneficiaries of related government interventions had received grants of N20 million, N10 million and N5 million. The grants support their businesses and innovations.
“The Federal Government is working with relevant agencies and stakeholders to extend technology, mentorship and entrepreneurship opportunities to young people and vulnerable groups,” Olawande stated.