Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), emphasized the significance of investing in human capital development and staff motivation to strategically position the Agency as a global force in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Speaking during the opening ceremony of a 5-Day training session for Information, New Media, and Protocol staff from the Agency’s Headquarters and Institutes, focused on modern strategies for a government agency in the 21st century, Mr. Halilu stressed that prioritizing staff training and development is crucial for organizational success.
“We are building a new NASENI where one of the overarching goals is to have well trained employees with knowledge and requisite technical, vocational and management skills required for the Agency’s growth and technology advancement. He said this reorientation would equip us to bring to fruition the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration and also the Eight Priority Areas of the administration,” he noted.
Underlining the Agency’s mandate, the head of NASENI highlighted that the organization is dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s swift industrialization through the implementation of the new three Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. He further mentioned that within the last four months of assuming leadership at NASENI, the Agency has initiated fresh partnerships and collaborations with the objective of transforming over 150 scientific and technological prototypes, products, and intellectual properties rights (IPR) into finalized products.
He further stated that, “We have signed multibillion dollars new Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and revived old ones with international technical partners to establish coal-based fertilizer plant, Lithium processing and Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agric afforestation, smart solar irrigation, tractor repairs and crop traceability for food security.”
He expressed that the comprehensive 5-Day training program is designed to empower the information and Protocol staff of the Agency, enabling them to align with contemporary trends and meet international standards essential for mastering the intricacies of New Media and Protocol Strategies. The goal is to equip the Agency with the necessary skills and knowledge that will propel it to greater heights.
“We have assembled about forty-one (41) staff responsible for information and protocol activities from ourHeadquarters and Institutes to benefit from this training. This training will upskill the crop of staffto communicate our new strategy and partnerships to different publics”, he said.
He expressed his confidence that upon the completion of the training, the personnel from the Information, Protocol, and New Media Unit would possess the necessary skills to compete effectively with their counterparts in both the public and private sectors, as well as on the international stage. Representing the Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Prof. Bagudu Dansheu Gwadangaji, Engr. Dr. Olayode Olasupo encouraged the Information Staff to embrace and adapt to new media and protocol strategies, emphasizing that this adaptation is vital for ensuring the sustained success and relevance of NASENI.
“Your presence at this training signifies not only personal and professional growth but also a collective effort to enhance our capabilities as a forward-thinking government agency”, he said, offering words of encouragement to the participants.
“I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, collaborate with your peers, and absorb the wealth of knowledge that this training has to offer. The insights gained here will understandably contribute to your skills, allowing you to make valuable contributions to our ICT initiatives, he stated.
Furthermore, Prof. Umar Ibrahim Gaya, the Coordinating Director of Science Infrastructure, emphasized that the chosen theme for the training is timely, as it will provide participants with the essential skills and tools to effectively counteract fake news, which has the potential to adversely impact organizations.
“When you talk about NASENI, so many things come to mind. As an Agency with first line charge from the Federation Account, there is likely to be fake news out there about us. Therefore, this training will help equip the participants to separate information from misinformation and misrepresentation. We hope your deliberations will help the EVC/CEO and Management to achieve the Agency’s mandate”, Prof. Gaya mentioned.
During his welcome address, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, the Director of Information, Protocol, and New Media Unit, expressed his appreciation for the commitment of Mr. Khalil Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, to prioritize staff motivation, development, and productivity since assuming the role just four months ago. Ayeoyenikan highlighted the significance of the training in the context of the rapidly advancing digital age, emphasizing the contemporary mantra in media and business: “You either communicate or you are easily forgotten, because of the complexities or sophistication of the society wherein we live today.”
Providing further context to the training, he noted that it was a crucial step for the Communication and Media arm of the Agency, marking the first of its kind in 33 years. Ayeoyenikan underscored the timeliness of the training, coinciding with the ongoing wave of reforms within the Agency under the leadership of Techpreneur Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
“The Information, New Media and Protocol Department play a critical role of projecting the image, products, mission and vision of the Agency amongst its technology end-users and critical stakeholders
The EVC/CEO has committed to building a 21st century institution built on the 3 core principles of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization guided by a strategic corporate plan which ensures that NASENI’s human and material resources are optimally harnessed with a view to achieving the Federal Government’s Industrialization drive”, he stated.
Extending a warm welcome to the participants, he emphasized that the training marked the commencement of a journey aimed at improving the promotion of digital skills, communication, and knowledge sharing within the Information and Protocol units of NASENI Headquarters and Institutes.
Highlighting the potential impact of the acquired knowledge from the training, he expressed optimism that it would play a pivotal role in repositioning NASENI as one of the leading agencies under the Federal Government. He urged all participants to view the training as a call to duty and to make the most of the opportunity, striving for excellence in their roles.
