…As NASENI Drives Nigeria’s Tech Revolution Through Strategic Media Engagement
By Rahmatullah Mahmud
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), under the visionary leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has become a trailblazer in leveraging media for advancing Nigeria’s science, technology, and innovation goals. This was evident during the opening ceremony of a 3-day training workshop for online media practitioners and staff writers in the agency’s Information, New Media, and Protocol (INP) unit, held from December 4-6, 2024, at NASENI Headquarters in Idu, Abuja.
Themed “Enhancing Effective Delivery of Communication Objectives in a Changing Digital Environment,” the workshop reflects NASENI’s commitment to equipping its media team and partners with the tools and skills needed to tell the agency’s story effectively in a rapidly evolving digital age.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Information, New Media, and Protocol (INP), Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan, lauded the EVC’s unwavering support for media advocacy, emphasizing its pivotal role in promoting NASENI’s mandate.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described as a “goal-getter,” has prioritized media engagement as a cornerstone of his leadership strategy. Since assuming office last year, he has introduced transformative initiatives, including the launch of the NASENI Strategic Launchpad 2024-2027, which outlines the agency’s goals and objectives. The EVC’s dynamic leadership has already resulted in the introduction of 35 new NASENI-branded products in the market and the initiation of 56 innovative projects—all within a year.
Recognizing the power of the media, the EVC has strategically cultivated partnerships with key stakeholders in the information ecosystem. Just three weeks ago, he hosted a luncheon with 25 senior media executives, including editors and bureau chiefs from prominent media outlets. The event served as an opportunity to showcase NASENI’s achievements and share the EVC’s vision for leveraging science and technology to drive Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation.
The workshop marks a significant step in NASENI’s strategy to harness the potential of new media. Mr. Ayeoyenikan noted that the training is a direct response to the challenges posed by the fast-changing digital landscape. “It is imperative that we stay abreast of the latest trends, ethics, and tools, including global best practices, in doing our job,” he said.
Over the course of three days, participants will engage with expert facilitators, sharing experiences and learning how to effectively communicate NASENI’s mission. The workshop aims to strengthen the agency’s relationship with its online media partners, fostering a collaborative approach to promoting science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria.
The EVC envisions a Nigeria driven by innovation and technology, akin to the successes of Europe, America, and the Asian Tigers. To realize this vision, NASENI is building a network of patriotic collaborators, including media practitioners, to champion the agency’s initiatives.
“Our job is to reshape the minds of Nigerians to embrace the spirit of collaboration in building a nation of prosperity through science, technology, and innovation,” Ayeoyenikan stated. He urged participants to become “friends of NASENI,” using their platforms to support the agency’s transformative agenda.
NASENI’s media-driven approach underscores the critical role communication plays in bridging the gap between technological advancements and public awareness. By investing in its media team and forging strong partnerships with online media practitioners, NASENI is ensuring that its message reaches every corner of the country.
As the workshop progresses, the participants are expected to develop strategies for amplifying the EVC’s vision, leveraging digital tools to create a unified narrative that highlights NASENI’s contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Under Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has positioned itself as a key driver of the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The agency’s achievements, coupled with its media-conscious approach, have solidified its status as Nigeria’s leading technology agency.
This workshop is not just a training session; it is a testament to NASENI’s belief in the transformative power of media to shape public opinion, build partnerships, and drive national progress. With the EVC at the helm, NASENI is not only innovating in science and engineering but also redefining how government agencies communicate their impact in the digital era.
As NASENI continues to bridge the gap between science and society, its focus on strategic media engagement ensures that its vision for a technologically advanced Nigeria is not just a dream but a shared reality.