Ex- APC Chairmanship Aspirant empowers 600 entrepreneurs in Kwara State

A former National Chairmanship Aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is also the Turaki of Ilorin, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has disbursed 200 million naira to 600 people in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, during his annual empowerment programme.

The tenth in the series programme aims to make the beneficiaries become entrepreneurs who will later create job opportunities for others in society.

They gave the beneficiaries between N100,000, N200,000, N500,000, and 1 and 2 million naira each.

Speaking at the occasion, the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, commended the APC Chieftain for always complementing the administration’s efforts to support the poor.

“This is commendable as it goes a long way in providing a safety net for citizens of the state. I really congratulate the Turaki of Ilorin for this initiative, and I wish you all the best,” he said.

AbdulRazaq, who said the scheme aligns with his administration’s social investment programmes such as Owo Isowo and Owo Arugbo, described the yearly programme as impactful and beneficial to small-scale businesses.

He urged other well-heeled Kwarans to emulate the good gesture, commending the Turaki to do more.

The event was well-attended by people from various social classes, including government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, APC leaders, and market leaders.

Several individuals and groups received cheques and cash from the Foundation to support their businesses.

In his remarks, Saliu Mustapha said his foundation supports youths and women to grow their small-scale businesses, improve their lives, and promote the state’s economy.

“While our Foundation often advances financial assistance especially to widows and the less privileged, we realise that in the long run what is required is to empower people in ways that can take control of their lives and even affect the lives of those around them positively,” he said.

He thanked AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, and other royal fathers in the state for their various supports, which he said made the work of the Foundation simple.

An Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Umar Suleiman (Soibul Bayan), described the gesture of Mallam Saliu Mustapha as one that conforms to the rules and teachings of Islam, saying God reserves abundant rewards for those who assist the poor.

He likened what the Foundation does to the empowerment programmes of AbdulRazaq’s administration, which the cleric said are fast transforming the lives of many beneficiaries.

He prayed to Allah to continue to guide both the Governor and Mallam Mustapha and others who support the poor masses.

E/Suzan O.