In a bid to reposition The executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu has emphasised the pivotal role of investing in human capital development and staff motivation.
This commitment was underscored during a five-day training session for information, new media and protocol staff of NASENI, where Halilu outlined the importance of such initiatives for organisational success.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Halilu expressed the vision of building a new NASENI with well-trained employees possessing the necessary knowledge and skills essential for the agency’s growth and technological advancement. This, he asserted, aligns with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the eight priority areas outlined by the government.
Highlighting the agency’s mission, Halilu stressed that NASENI aims to drive Nigeria’s rapid industrialisation through the principles of collaboration, creation and commercialisation (the 3 Cs). In his four months of leadership, he reported the agency’s efforts to establish new partnerships, collaborations and MOUs with international technical partners.
The five-day training programme, attended by 41 information and protocol staff from the agency’s headquarters and institutes, was designed to equip participants with modern strategies for new media and protocol in a 21st-century government agency. Halilu expressed confidence that the training would enhance the staff’s capabilities to effectively communicate the agency’s new strategies and partnerships.
The coordinating director of engineering infrastructure, Prof. Bagudu Gwadangaji, represented by Engr. Olayode Olasupo, urged information staff to adapt to new media and protocol strategies, emphasising the importance of staying abreast of contemporary trends. He encouraged active engagement in the sessions, collaboration among peers and absorption of knowledge to contribute valuably to the agency’s ICT initiatives.
Coordinating director of science infrastructure, Prof. Umar Gaya, highlighted the timeliness of the training, especially in combating fake news that could negatively impact the agency’s image. He urged participants to distinguish between information and misinformation, recognising the potential challenges faced by a government agency with a first-line charge from the Federation Account.
The director of information, protocol and new media unit, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan commended Halilu for prioritising staff motivation, development and productivity since assuming office. He emphasised the significance of the training in navigating the complexities of the digital age, aligning with the evolving media landscape’s demands.
Ayeoyenikan noted that the information, new media and protocol department plays a crucial role in projecting the agency’s image, products, mission and vision to stakeholders and technology end-users. The training, he added, marked the beginning of a journey towards enhancing digital skills communication and knowledge sharing within NASENI, to reposition the agency into one of the foremost agencies of the government.
As NASENI focuses on transforming its operations and communication strategies, this training initiative signifies a proactive step toward aligning with modern trends and fostering the agency’s prominence in the global science and engineering landscape.
