NASENI Equips Osun Youths With Skills on Modern Shoemaking and Tailoring
By Patience Ikpeme
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has initiated a skill acquisition training programme on modern shoemaking and tailoring for youths in Ife, Osun State.
The three-day intensive training, which began on Monday, July 8, 2024, is being held at the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre in Ife Federal Constituency and will conclude on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, represented by the Director of Manufacturing Services, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, Engr. Dr. Olayode Adesola Olasupo, inaugurated the programme. He highlighted the training’s goal to provide participants with practical skills in modern tailoring and shoemaking techniques.
“NASENI, as a Federal Government agency under the Presidency, is tasked with fostering an appropriate and dynamic science and engineering infrastructure to achieve home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization for Nigeria,” Mr. Halilu noted. “Critical skill development of personnel is crucial to achieving this mandate, which is why we have established NASENI Skill Acquisition Centres across Nigeria. I am pleased to announce that the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre in Ife Federal Constituency is the first of its kind in Osun State.”
Mr. Halilu emphasized that the training aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on eradicating poverty, fostering economic growth, and creating jobs.
In another development, Mr. Halilu was honored with the Distinguished Award for Engineering and Industrial Innovation at the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). The award, presented by Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, recognizes Mr. Halilu’s exceptional performance and transformational leadership in his first year in office.
The award ceremony, held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, celebrated outstanding public servants who have significantly contributed to the nation’s development. Mr. Halilu’s recognition underscores his commitment to transforming NASENI into a hub of technology transfer and innovation across Africa.
Under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has seen substantial reforms aimed at advancing technological and industrial growth. His visionary approach has elevated the agency, promoting cutting-edge technologies, sustainable industrial practices, and strategic partnerships with leading industry players to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Halilu expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and the NASENI team, emphasizing the collective effort behind the award. “This award recognizes our commitment to advancing engineering and industrial innovation in Nigeria. It reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire NASENI team, and I am deeply honored to accept it on their behalf,” he said.
Other distinguished Nigerians recognized at the event included General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff to the President Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as former and serving governors, ministers, lawmakers, and heads of government MDAs.
