More than 600 youth and women across Ilorin East and South local government areas of Kwara State have benefitted from an economic empowerment initiative aimed at reducing poverty and creating self-reliance.
The empowerment programme, which provided start-up items and toolkits, was organised by the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in partnership with the lawmaker representing Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency, Dr. Yinka Aluko.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Ilorin, Dr. Aluko, represented by his legislative aide, Isiaka Amode, said the initiative was designed to give back to the society and uplift residents from poverty. He stressed that the items distributed should be seen as a right, not a privilege.
“This is an opportunity for you to build something for yourselves. No matter how small you start, use these tools to better your lives,” Aluko charged the beneficiaries.
He also appealed to those who were not included in the current phase of the empowerment to remain patient, assuring them that subsequent batches would cover more people.
The programme coordinator, Abdullahi Galadima, explained that the beneficiaries were selected directly from their communities, noting that the project was designed to boost their economic wellbeing.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Akande Adekunle and Aremu Oyinkansola, expressed appreciation for the support. They said the items would strengthen their businesses and enable them to support their families financially.
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