The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has empowered more than 400 low-income households in Malumfashi and Kafur Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
The intervention was carried out under the agency’s NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP) to improve household welfare and strengthen livelihoods among vulnerable communities.
The beneficiaries received clean-energy cooking stoves, cooking pots, 25kg bags of rice and cash support to ease household pressures and enhance their economic wellbeing.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr Khalil Suleiman-Halilu, said the initiative was designed to translate science, engineering and technology into practical benefits for Nigerians.
Suleiman-Halilu, represented by Mr Chima Akwaja, Deputy Director, Information and Protocol Unit, said NASENI was taking the programme to communities across the country to expand access to tools, skills and opportunities for economic empowerment.
“For us, innovation must go beyond laboratories, workshops and research centres. It must improve the way people work, strengthen businesses and help families build more secure livelihoods,” he said.
He added that talent and enterprise existed across the country, but access to the support required to transform them into sustainable livelihoods remained uneven.
According to him, the agency’s direct engagement with communities would enable it to understand local needs and provide practical solutions for women, youths, artisans, small business owners and households.
Suleiman-Halilu said the expected impact included stronger livelihoods, more productive businesses, self-employment opportunities and greater financial independence for beneficiaries.
He said the programme was also aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding economic opportunities and bringing practical support closer to Nigerians.
The NASENI chief executive appreciated Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir-Masari, Special Adviser on Political Affairs to President Bola Tinubu, for his support towards the successful implementation of the intervention in Malumfashi.
He also commended the Katsina State Government, local government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and programme partners for their cooperation.
Suleiman-Halilu urged the beneficiaries to use and maintain the items responsibly, apply the knowledge acquired and share their experiences with others to extend the benefits of the programme.
He said NASENI would assess the success of the intervention by its long-term impact on businesses, livelihoods, job creation and opportunities generated within the communities.
Also speaking, Kabir-Masari, represented by the member representing Malumfashi/Kafur Federal Constituency, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim-Kafur, commended NASENI for bringing the intervention to communities in the state.
He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the items and financial support, stressing that responsible utilisation of government interventions was essential to achieving sustainable improvements in household welfare.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely support to reduce economic pressures on their families.(NAN)
