The **[National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure](https://www.naseni.gov.ng)** launched a five‑day electrical installation training programme for 120 youths in Lokoja, Kogi State on Monday, with the goal of fostering employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
**Key details**
- The training runs from Monday to Friday and focuses on practical electrical installation techniques.
- Participants will receive working equipment at the end of the course to help them start income‑generating activities.
- The programme is part of the agency’s broader effort that has already reached more than 26 states across Nigeria.
- **President Bola Tinubu**'s Renewed Hope Agenda underpins the initiative, emphasizing job creation and skills development.
- NASENI Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu, speaking through Director of Research Engineer (Prof.) Abdulmalik Onuwe Ibrahim, highlighted the agency’s commitment to innovation and self‑reliance.
**What does the training involve?**
The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands‑on sessions, allowing trainees to practice wiring, circuit testing and safety protocols. Upon completion, each participant will be handed functional tools and equipment, enabling immediate application of the skills learned.
**Who supported the event?**
Traditional leaders from Lokoja also addressed the gathering. Alhaji Adamu Muhammed, representing the Maigari of Lokoja, urged the youths to seize the opportunity, noting that “technical knowledge is the in‑thing everywhere in the world, not paper qualification.” He called on NASENI to assist in reviving technical colleges in the state, stressing the importance of vocational education for employment and entrepreneurship.
Alhaji Ali Lawal, the Maiyaki of Lokoja, added that continuous learning and practical experience are essential for solving problems and earning a living. He encouraged participants to stay focused and translate the training into real‑world solutions.
**Why is this significant?**
The initiative aligns with national priorities to reduce youth unemployment and promote self‑sufficiency. By providing both skills and the tools to implement them, NASENI aims to create a pipeline of technically proficient young entrepreneurs who can contribute to Nigeria’s growing industrial sector.
**What are the expected outcomes?**
- Enhanced employability of the 120 trainees.
- Creation of small‑scale electrical service businesses.
- Strengthening of technical education infrastructure in Kogi State.
The programme reflects a coordinated effort between federal agencies and local traditional authorities to address the skills gap and stimulate economic activity at the grassroots level.