By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Saliu Mustapha, has stressed the crucial role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic development and human empowerment.

Speaking through the Director General of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, Alhaji Shuaib Adebayo, Senator Mustapha told the beneficiaries of a Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) empowerment programme, which focused on Fruit and Vegetable Value Addition for youth and women, that the aim of the programme is to uplift the economic well-being of his constituents as well as the participants.

Senator Mustapha urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources provided, stressing that the empowerment initiative is intended to improve their economic status, not for personal consumption or diversion.

The programme, he noted, seeks to equip participants with essential skills and tools to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the community.

The lawmaker revealed that participants would receive start-up capital and essential working tools at an empowerment event in the coming week.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji AbdulRasaq Olanrewaju Adio, explained that the beneficiaries and the items distributed, including both perishable and non-perishable goods, were carefully selected following visits to over 50 markets across the Kwara senatorial district.

Other speakers at the event, including the Senator’s Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition, and Job Creation, Mr. Nasir Abdulkadir, and Queen Aminat Alabi of QAM Services, charged the beneficiaries to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, take calculated risks, and creatively utilise the empowerment resources provided.

The Iyaloja General of Kwara State, Alhaja Muibat Olumo, represented by Alhaja Lateefat Ajanaku, commended Senator Saliu Mustapha for prioritising women’s inclusiveness and empowerment.

She offered prayers for Mustapha’s continued guidance and success in providing effective representation for the people of Kwara Central.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the senator for the initiative, noting that the training had equipped them with valuable skills to better manage their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

They encouraged Senator Mustapha to continue delivering democratic dividends to his constituency.