Over 600 youth and women across Ilorin East and South Local Government Areas of Kwara State have benefitted from an empowerment programme designed to promote self-reliance and reduce poverty.

The initiative, jointly organised by the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and the lawmaker representing Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency, Dr. Yinka Aluko, provided start-up items and toolkits to selected beneficiaries.

Speaking through his legislative aide, Isiaka Amode, Dr. Aluko said the project was aimed at giving back to society while tackling poverty at the grassroots. He stressed that the items should not be seen as charity but as an entitlement.

“These empowerment items should be seen as a right, not a privilege. I urge you to use them strictly for their intended purpose to improve your livelihood,” he said.

He assured those not included in the current batch to remain patient, promising that future programmes would capture more people. He further encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity, no matter how small, to start and sustain businesses that can transform their lives.

The coordinator of the programme, Abdullahi Galadima, explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from their communities to ensure the support reaches genuine people in need. “The essence of this programme is to improve the economic wellbeing of our people,” he added.

Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying the empowerment would boost their businesses and help them cater for their families. “This support will go a long way in improving my trade and increasing my income,” said Akande Adekunle. Another beneficiary, Aremu Oyinkansola, noted that the items would provide a strong foundation for her to support her household.