as training for beneficiaries begins
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
No fewer than 920 artisans and market women from the Kwara Central Senatorial District would benefit from a comprehensive empowerment programme spearheaded by Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing the Kwara Central in the National Assembly as part of his efforts to combat rising unemployment and poverty,
Towards this end, a skill acquisition programme was organised for the beneficiaries at the constituency office of the lawmaker, aimed to equip participants with essential skills and tools to foster self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the community.
The programme was in collaboration with the Industrial Arbitration Panel under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Gemstone Integrated Farm Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, Head of Procurement at the Industrial Arbitration Panel, Alhaji Abdulsalam AbdulRaheem, emphasised the importance of skills acquisition as a potent tool to address the growing unemployment in the country.
According to him, equipping unemployed youths with the necessary skills and working tools can transform them into employers, thereby reducing dependency on government jobs and contributing to the overall economic development of the nation.
“Providing youths with working tools is not just about immediate employment; it’s about creating a ripple effect that can lead to job creation and economic stability,” AbdulRaheem stated.
Commending Senator Mustapha for his unwavering commitment to the development of his constituency, AbdulRaheem noted that such initiatives are crucial in curbing rising unemployment rate and boosting economic activities in the region.
The Senator’s Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition, and Job Creation, Mr. Nas AbdulKadri, also highlighted the significance of the training, noting that the programme was designed to educate participants on the effective utilisation of the tools and resources they received, ensuring sustainable business growth.
AbdulKadri, one of the lead trainers, emphasised that skill acquisition is globally recognised as a key strategy in poverty reduction and economic empowerment.
The Senator’s Legislative Assistant, Alhaji Tunde Abdulkadiri, provided further insights into the structure of the programme, revealing that the training phase began with 320 artisans and would subsequently extend to 600 market women, who would receive targeted training tailored to their specific trades.
According to him, beneficiaries, ranging from mechanics and electricians to laundry service operators and caterers, would be equipped with essential tools designed to enhance their business operations and prevent the misuse or sale of provided resources.
“The goal is to discourage the old practice of beneficiaries selling the items they receive. Instead, we want to ensure they use these tools to genuinely grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy,” Abdulkadiri said.
Representing Senator Mustapha at the event, the Director-General of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, Alhaji Ambali Shuaib, reiterated the Senator’s commitment to supporting both federal and state governments’ efforts in poverty alleviation.
Shuaib assured participants that, beyond the training, they would receive start-up capital and vital working tools necessary to successfully launch and sustain their ventures.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the initiative with a promise that the items that would be given to them would not be sold.
A caterer from Asa Local Government Area, Tajudeen Balkis Tanwa, and Lawal Mustapha from Ilorin West, praised Senator Mustapha for his proactive approach in improving their livelihoods, noting that the programme would significantly boost their businesses and economic standing.
This empowerment programme by Senator Saliu Mustapha is not only a step towards reducing unemployment but also a vital investment in the future of Kwara Central, aimed at fostering a culture of self-reliance and entreprene