From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A new chapter of empowerment unfolded in Kwara State as the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), trained and equipped citizens with practical skills to help them achieve economic independence and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, the skill acquisition programme reflected IEDPU’s resolve to tackle youth idleness and reduce the lure of social vices through hands-on vocational training.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), also seized the opportunity to offer moral guidance to participants, stressing the importance of discipline, integrity, and responsibility in nation-building.
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Delivering a message from the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, Director of Abuse, Rights and Narcotics, urged beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity and avoid habits that could destroy their future.
“Every person under the influence of drugs is more likely to engage in violence, theft, and other vices that disrupt our communal peace,” Issa-Onilu warned, urging the youths to embrace their new skills as a path to dignity and sustainable livelihood.
Also speaking, the NOA Kwara State Director, Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, commended IEDPU for its foresight and commitment to human capital development. “This initiative is a direct investment in our people and our future,” he noted.
The beneficiaries were trained in soap making, perfume production, bleach formulation, and barbing — all designed to provide immediate avenues for income generation.
Represented by the Vice President, Alhaji Abdulrauf Issa-Onilu, IEDPU President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdulmalik, reaffirmed the union’s dedication to youth empowerment.
He disclosed that each participant received a starter pack to help them begin their entrepreneurial journey immediately after the training.
“Our goal is not just to train but to equip,” he said. “By combining practical training with the necessary tools, we are building a foundation for a stronger, more self-reliant community.”
The sessions were entirely hands-on. Under the guidance of Mrs Taibat. Trainees mastered liquid soap production using basic ingredients such as Nitrosol and caustic soda, while Mr Ridwan Oyekanmi demonstrated the techniques of modern barbing.
Two participants, Mr Musa Salman and Miss Hammed Nafisat, spoke on behalf of the over forty beneficiaries, expressing gratitude to IEDPU and NOA for what they described as a life-changing experience.
“We are not just going home with skills but also with values,” Salman said. “This training has given us confidence to start our own businesses and contribute to society.”
