*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, says the interventions aimed to reduce energy costs and boost livelihoods for consumers in the Oyo State
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has said it empowered 300 youths and women in Oyo State with Home Solar Systems and Clean Energy Cookstoves under its Sustainable Empowerment Programme (NSEP).
NASENI disclosed the agency held the NSEP forum Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Oyo State.
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Mr. Chima Akwaja, Deputy Director of Information at NASENI, stated the empowerment, which targeted vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities across all nooks and crannies of the state, saw over 250 women receive NASENI Clean Cookstoves.
The agency also said 50 men received its Solar Home Systems and Support Packs, to reduce energy costs and boost livelihoods in the state.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, represented by Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information, New Media and Protocol, said the initiative embodied the new NASENI vision.
Halilu said “science, engineering and technology must deliver practical benefits that Nigerians can see, use and experience in their everyday lives.”
The EVC/CEO also noted that the agency has moved beyond laboratories, stating, “Our mandate goes beyond research, laboratories, and technology development.
“It includes ensuring these technologies reach households, entrepreneurs, and communities, where they can reduce hardship, improve productivity, and create sustainable economic opportunities.”
Through NSEP, he stated that “NASENI is connecting innovation with inclusion.”
Halilu noted: “Our objective is not simply to distribute items. Meaningful empowerment must help people reduce costs, improve their productive capacity, earn income and exercise greater control over their economic future.”
The NASENI Chief explained that the intervention in Oyo State builds on similar programmes in Kano, Osun, Abia, Lagos, Anambra and Benue States, and is anchored on NASENI’s 3Cs principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation, as part of its contribution to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Sen. Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, represented by Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, Director-General of his Campaign Council, described the programme as “a commendable and tremendous plan of translating science and technology into practical solutions that will improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.”
Senator Alli said the distribution of cookstoves and solar systems “is an approach to empowerment that goes beyond financial assistance but promoting cleaner energy, healthier household, environmental sustainability and a good environment for all and sundry.”
The Federal lawmaker also explained that this programme is not merely an empowerment program, it’s an investment in human capacity, and investing in human capacity is investing in nation building.