*supports Aso-Ofi Weavers with materials, expands community empowerment across Kwara
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to grassroots empowerment and economic development through various interventions, targeted at supporting small business owners, women, farmers, and underserved communities across Kwara State.
The Executive Director of the Foundation, Audu Musa, said the organisation remains committed to improving livelihoods and creating sustainable opportunities for residents through impactful community-based programmes.
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Speaking during the Women Financial Empowerment Support Programme held at the Foundation’s GRA office, Musa explained that the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s broader vision of promoting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and community development through direct support for small-scale business owners.
The programme, which benefited hundreds of women entrepreneurs, featured the disbursement of financial support to selected beneficiaries to help strengthen and expand their businesses.
In his goodwill message, the Director of Youth Mobilisation of the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammed Abdulmumeen, commended former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate, Bukola Saraki, for his dedication to empowering ordinary citizens through the activities of the Foundation.
Abdulmumeen disclosed that beneficiaries were carefully selected by the Directorate based on the nature, viability, and growth potential of their businesses before being recommended for support.
According to him, “After presenting the recommendations to Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, he approved the empowerment initiative without hesitation and directed the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation to immediately commence implementation.”
He appreciated Saraki for the swift approval and his continued support for grassroots empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living of the people.
The PDP Youth Mobilisation Director, further stated that both the Directorate and the Foundation would monitor beneficiaries monthly to assess the impact and progress of their businesses.
He also warned beneficiaries against diverting the funds for personal use, stressing that the financial support was strictly meant for business expansion and economic advancement.
“No beneficiary should give commission or percentage to anybody. The money is strictly meant to support and grow your businesses,” he added.
Also speaking at the programme, the Deputy Director of the Directorate, Babatunde Babamale, encouraged beneficiaries to remain hardworking and focused, noting that the intervention was designed to create sustainable economic opportunities for women at the grassroots level.
Some beneficiaries who spoke during the event expressed appreciation to Saraki and the Foundation for the timely intervention, describing the initiative as a major boost to their businesses and family livelihoods.
They pledged to make judicious use of the financial support to expand their businesses, improve productivity, and contribute positively to the economic development of their communities.
The Foundation also highlighted several ongoing interventions across Kwara State, including the distribution of Aso Oke weaving materials to women to support local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship, agricultural empowerment programmes across the five local government areas of Kwara North, and the distribution of solar lights to underserved communities to improve living conditions.
The intervention, which focused on men and women engaged in the traditional Aso-Ofi weaving trade, provided beneficiaries with essential materials needed to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The initiative is expected to improve productivity among local artisans while promoting sustainable income generation through skill-based entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the programme, the Director of Youth Mobilisation of the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulmumeen Muhammed, disclosed that the intervention was a direct response to requests made by the Aso-Ofi weavers during earlier grassroots engagements.
Beyond the recent interventions in Ilorin, the Foundation is also set to expand its agricultural empowerment initiative across the five local government areas of Kwara North — Moro, Kaiama, Baruten, Patigi, and Edu — where farmers are expected to receive support and resources to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
In addition, the Foundation has commenced the distribution of solar lights across several communities to improve access to electricity, enhance security, and support households in underserved areas facing power challenges.
Over the years, the Foundation, has remained actively involved in humanitarian and development-focused interventions spanning education, healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship, social welfare, and community support.
The Foundation’s sustained interventions continue to reflect the vision of its founder, Dr. Bukola Saraki, former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate, whose commitment to grassroots development and human capital empowerment remains central to the organisation’s activities.
Many beneficiaries of the various empowerment initiatives described the interventions as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that the support would help improve their businesses and overall standard of living.
The Foundation maintained that sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are adequately supported with opportunities, resources, and empowerment capable of securing a better future.
