The federal government, through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has empowered beneficiaries in Oyo State with clean energy and sustainable livelihood tools.
The empowerment programme, organised under the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP), was held at Alice Place, opposite UCH Second Gate, Secretariat Road, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The programme was facilitated by APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, who was represented by the Director-General of the Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Council, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe.
Speaking at the event, NASENI’s Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said the agency was established to transform how Nigerians live and work by developing tools and technologies that improve traditional farming, household practices and small businesses.
He explained that, just as the agency is working to replace firewood in homes with more efficient, cleaner energy stoves, it is also driving innovations in renewable energy and productivity.
According to NASENI, the Oyo State empowerment initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on clean energy and sustainable development.
Mr Ayeoyenikan recalled that NASENI had recently carried out a similar intervention in Anambra State, where 100 young men and women received five-day training in electrical installation and maintenance, with working tools and solar home systems provided to help them start their own enterprises.
He added that a similar package of renewable energy solutions and empowerment tools, extended to beneficiaries in Oyo State, is intended to create a stronger foundation for self-reliance and community development.
In his remarks, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli commended NASENI for taking technology beyond the laboratory to households, entrepreneurs and communities.
He described the collaboration between the agency and political leadership as crucial to transforming lives and improving livelihoods.
Barrister Alli said his vision for Oyo State aligns with NASENI’s mandate, noting that technological advancement must move from abstract ideas to a practical political force that drives prosperity and national development.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to use the support wisely to improve their homes, businesses, and communities.
The empowerment items distributed to 250 women and 50 men include NASENI Solar Home Systems, NASENI Clean Cookstoves and NASENI Support Packs.
The Solar Home Systems will provide reliable renewable energy for lighting, charging essential devices and supporting household and small-business activities.
Beneficiaries from across Oyo State thanked Alli, the Federal Government, and NASENI for the intervention, describing it as life-changing support that will reduce their dependence on traditional fuel sources and improve their economic status.