… As Industry Minister Flags-off Initiative
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has launched its Sustainable Empowerment Programme in Kano State with over 2000 households benefiting from the Agency’s clean and reliable energy solutions aimed at reducing the impact of climate change.
The empowerment programme held at Fabs Event Centre, Kano on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, saw thousands of men and women smiling home with NASENI Clean Cookstove, Home Solar Solutions and other tools which will enhance access to clean and reliable energy solutions for households in rural and semi-urban communities.
Flagging-off the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the NASENI Sustainable Empowerment Programme is a practical demonstration of how Nigeria’s industrial, trade, and investment agenda is being translated into real outcomes for citizens.
While commending NASENI leadership for this initiative that celebrates excellence in Nigerian enterprise, industrial productivity, and the practical realization of Nigeria First policy, she said the initiative directly supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its priorities around industrialization, job creation, local productivity, and inclusive economic growth.
She said: “Kano’s selection as host for this programme is particularly significant. Historically, Kano has been one of West Africa’s major commercial and manufacturing hubs, with deep strengths in trade, textiles, agro-processing, and enterprise.”
She added that NASENI’s intervention aligns directly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by localizing technology deployment and expanding practical, productive assets for Nigerian households and businesses.
In his welcome remarks, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the initiative empowers households with clean Cookstoves that reduce smoke and save fuel, Solar Home Systems that provide reliable electricity, and practical solutions for their homes and businesses.
According to him: “These are Nigerian-made solutions, built for Nigerian realities. This programme is part of NASENI’s bigger mission — the Zero Carbon (ZeCo) Project. The ZeCo Project focuses on: reducing carbon emissions, protecting our environment, promoting cleaner and safer energy for our people.
“What you are receiving today is not just support; it is part of a larger national effort to build a cleaner and healthier Nigeria. This programme is not just empowerment. It is about dignity. It is about improving your quality of life. It is about giving you tools to do more, earn more, and live better.
“To our beneficiaries: Use these tools wisely. Take care of them. Let them improve your homes and your businesses. Let them support your families and your future,” Halilu added.
Good will messages came from Chairman, Presidential Initiative on Technology Transfer (PICTT), Dr. Mohammed Dahiru; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu; National Coordinator, African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Mrs Patience Okala; Perm Secretary, Alhaji Salisu Mustapha who represented Head of Service of Kano State Government.
