From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has emphasized the critical role that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving economic development and empowering individuals within the community.
Speaking through the Director General of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, Alhaji Shuaib Adebayo, the Senator addressed participants of a recent SME empowerment program.
The initiative which focused on Fruit and Vegetable Value Addition, was designed to uplift the lives of youth and women across the Kwara Central Senatorial District and boost their economic well-being.
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Senator Mustapha urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the resources provided, highlighting that the empowerment initiative aims to improve their economic status and not intended for personal consumption or misuse.
The program was designed to equip participants with essential skills and tools, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the community.
In line with this goal, participants will receive start-up capital and essential working tools during an upcoming empowerment event.
Chairman of the Organizing Committee,Alhaji Abdulrasaq Adio, explained that the beneficiaries, along with the distributed items which include both perishable and non-perishable goods,were carefully selected following visits to over 50 markets across the four senatorial districts.
Additional speakers at the event, including Mr. Nasir Abdulkadir, the Senator’s Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition, and Job Creation, and Queen Aminat Alabi of QAM Services, encouraged participants to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, take calculated risks, and creatively utilize the empowerment resources.
The Iyaloja General of Kwara State, Alhaja Muibat Olumo, represented by Alhaja Lateefat Ajanaku, praised Senator Mustapha for prioritising the inclusion and empowerment of women. She offered prayers for his continued success in providing effective representation for the people of Kwara Central.
Grateful beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting that the training had equipped them with valuable skills to better manage their businesses and improve their livelihoods. They also urged Senator Mustapha to continue delivering democratic dividends to his constituency.
