Onyewuchi's Legislative Prowess and NASENI Changing Story

By Collins Anayo

Prior to the inuaguration of the current 10th National Assembly, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI has existed. It was created in 1992 and tasked with fast tracking development of science and engineering infrastructure, for national developmet.

The agency has worked to meet that target, but it has not found the required momentum  to do that. Obviously, that challenge is a consequence of the Nigeria culture of putting square pegs in round holes in leadership positions.

 Presently, however, the old narrative is changing. NASENI is on the cusp of a promising new dawn, and it raises hopes that at last it may fulfil its statutory obligations. Of course, this positive turnaround is not  accidental. It is the work of two committed and dedicated patriots, with eyes for enduring legacy. I'm talking of the innovation and tech minded  young and vibrant Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mr Kalil Halilu, and the man with the legislative Prowess and capacity Distinguished Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, who oversights the agency as chairman of its Senate Committee.

With unprecedented legislative experience and pedigree of delivery Distinguished Senator Onyewuchi carefully articulated his vision for NASENI,long before his appointment. Those who watched his first  press briefing as chairman of the committee, must have come to this exact conclusion also, due to the clarity, robustness and implementability of his legislative roadmap. He had also explained why he carefully designed a winning roadmap for NASENI. He said it has critical role to  play in the country's economic development, and therefore, needed grade A blueprint.

It was true observation.Great nations of today are great  because they invested heavily  in science and engineering, and  leveraged their innovations to transform their economy. So, if Nigeria desires greatness  it must invest in those areas.

As a man who prefers to act rather than speaking the Imo East lawmaker, with his committee members, have kept the promise of using legislative instrumentality to reposition and rebrand NASENI.

Any wonder from a hitherto  struggling agency it's now bustling and brimming with activities,projects, programs and policies. All of which are being executed, pursuant to the mandate to contribute  to national economic development.

 Recently,during an oversight working visit to the head office of the agency by Senate NASENI Committee, Mr Halilu confessed that the critical support the agency is getting from the committee has  paid off, as the agency is about putting its products into the market.

The products are ;  Solar irrigation system, Electronic motorcycle and tricycle and Solar home system, all of which are solar powered. Opting for clean energy products is NASENI's smart strategy to kill two birds with one stone -adding economic value and promoting governments clean energy agenda.

It is also expanding the frontiers of creativity, innovation and productivity in science and engineering, with initiation sustainable policies.

The  recently launched DEL-HER Project  by PICTT/ NASENI which  seeks to bridge the gender gap in engineering practice and enterprise development in the country, speaks to that vision. In partnership with private sector players, it birthed the initiative which seeks  to give women equal opportunity as men to grow to be the best they could be in engineering practice and associated businesses.They believe that if availed funding, skills and mentorship, practicing and potential female engineers will not only achieve their potentials, but contribute to taking science and engineering infrastructure and national development and growth, to greater heights.

Indeed,NASENI is bouncing back to life, and that development is living proof of the legislative and administrative capacities and competencies of Distinguished Senator Onyewuchi, and Mr Halilu.