By Rabiu Sanusi
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has extended its Sustainable Empowerment Programme, Phase IV, to Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, bringing technology-driven interventions closer to residents to improve livelihoods and promote grassroots development.
The initiative, championed by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, seeks to apply science, engineering and indigenous innovation to address everyday challenges facing Nigerian households and create opportunities for economic advancement.
Speaking at the programme, Halilu said empowerment should go beyond the distribution of assistance to providing practical tools that improve living conditions, support small businesses and create sustainable economic opportunities.
He noted that technology could help households meet basic needs, support their children and build better futures.
The NASENI chief executive reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of scientific and technological advancement reach ordinary Nigerians, particularly those in rural and semi-urban communities.
He said the agency’s clean-energy interventions include locally developed clean cookstoves and solar home systems designed to provide safer cooking alternatives and more reliable household energy.
According to him, the technologies are intended to reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels, minimise exposure to harmful smoke and support household and small-business activities.
Halilu also emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, elected representatives, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders in delivering development programmes.
He acknowledged the support of Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, alongside the cooperation of the Kano State Government, local government authorities and community stakeholders.
In his remarks, Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, commended NASENI for extending the programme to his constituency, describing grassroots empowerment as an important means of improving residents’ economic circumstances.
He said such initiatives should promote self-reliance and strengthen economic activities within local communities.
The senator also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal interventions in Kano South, stressing the importance of sustained government attention to the development needs of the district.
Kawu further called for increased investment in agriculture, irrigation, rural roads and other critical infrastructure to stimulate economic activities and improve living conditions in rural communities.
He said stronger collaboration between government agencies and elected representatives was necessary to expand development opportunities and address local needs.
The senator also reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
He raised concerns about alleged attempts by some individuals to frustrate certain development initiatives but did not identify those involved or provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The Sumaila programme forms part of NASENI’s broader efforts to make science, engineering and locally developed technologies more accessible to communities.
Through its clean-energy interventions and technology-driven empowerment initiatives, the agency aims to support household welfare, improve productivity and promote environmental sustainability.
For residents of Sumaila, the programme’s impact will ultimately depend on how effectively the interventions translate into improved living conditions, stronger livelihoods and greater economic self-reliance.
