Senator Saliu Mustapha Empowers 3,000 Constituents with Agricultural and Human Capital Development Tools
Alubarika 1.0: Transforming Lives Through Empowerment
In a landmark initiative to promote economic growth and self-reliance, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha, on Friday launched the Alubarika 1.0: Agricultural & Human Capital Development Empowerment Programme.
The multibillion-naira mega empowerment program, held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, provided tools, resources, and training to 3,000 beneficiaries, including farmers, artisans, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and market women.
Empowerment Beyond Politics: A Merit-Based Selection
In his opening remarks, Mallam Nasir AbdulQuadri, the Special Technical Adviser on Human Capital Development, Skill Acquisition, and Entrepreneurship to Senator Mustapha, emphasized that the selection process was purely merit-based, devoid of political bias.
“The philosophy of the Distinguished Senator Saliu Mustapha is to teach people how to fish rather than giving them fish,” AbdulQuadri noted.
He reiterated that the program was designed for individuals committed to personal progress and eager to elevate their skills.
Tools, Training, and Sustainable Wealth Creation
Beneficiaries received a wide range of tools, including:
- Tractors
- Deep freezers
- Generators
- Farm produce
- Ovens
- Grinding machines
- Transformers for selected communities
- Cars
- Cows for farmers
Beyond providing equipment, the program also offered training sessions on:
- Business model strategies
- Sales techniques
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Business compliance
Additionally, over 100 youths were trained in solar installation and maintenance, creating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector and reducing dependence on outsourcing.
National Leaders Commend Senator Mustapha’s Vision
Speaking at the event, Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau applauded Senator Mustapha’s commitment to agriculture and human capital development.
“Empowerment in agriculture is key to the survival of any society. Without food, there is no life. Senator Mustapha has a solid pedigree, which is why the Senate entrusted him with the chairmanship of the Committee on Agriculture,” Barau stated.
Recognizing the initiative’s impact, Barau pledged to donate 200 sewing machines to further empower women and artisans, assuring continued collaboration with Senator Mustapha.
Similarly, Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, highlighted how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural reforms are yielding results, making food more available and gradually more affordable.
“Today, I can proudly say that the reforms initiated by President Tinubu on food security are working. This program is a testament to that commitment,” Kyari remarked.
He also commended Senator Mustapha’s oversight role in the agricultural sector and his dedication to ensuring the success of the President’s policies.
Education and Youth Development: A Key Priority
In his keynote address, Senator Saliu Mustapha expressed his fulfillment in executing the empowerment program, stressing the importance of education in national development.
“If we are to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we must prioritize education,” Mustapha stated.
For the first time, young school leavers have been granted full scholarships, including accommodation support. This year alone, over 200 students have benefited from university scholarships, with an added focus on soft skills training, emotional intelligence, and academic success strategies.
A Commitment to Sustainable Impact
Senator Mustapha emphasized that the Alubarika 1.0 program is not about political fanfare but about real impact, with tangible items being distributed to improve lives and boost economic growth.
Other dignitaries present at the event, including Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South) and Senator Ajibola Basiru, urged beneficiaries to use the equipment wisely and resist the temptation to sell them for short-term gain.
Senator Ashiru praised the initiative and prayed for Senator Mustapha’s continued success and elevation, while Senator Basiru emphasized that proper utilization of the resources would contribute to the economic growth of Kwara State and Nigeria.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Long before entering politics, Senator Mustapha has been committed to empowering individuals through the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, which has sponsored numerous Master’s and Ph.D. students across Nigeria.
As the Alubarika 1.0 program concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining empowerment efforts, fostering self-reliance, and driving economic development across Kwara Central and beyond.