As reported by the Nigerian Tribune, in an effort to tackle rising unemployment and poverty, a total of 920 artisans and market women from the Kwara Central senatorial district have benefited from a skill acquisition programme initiated by Senator Saliu Mustapha, who represents the district in the National Assembly.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Abdulsalam AbdulRaheem, Head of Procurement at the Industrial Arbitration Panel, mentioned that the beneficiaries would also gain from a comprehensive empowerment programme sponsored by the lawmaker.

Alhaji AbdulRaheem noted that the programme is designed to equip participants with essential skills and tools, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship within the community.

The programme, which commenced on Thursday in Ilorin, is a collaborative effort between the Industrial Arbitration Panel under the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and Gemstone Integrated Farm Nigeria Limited.

He emphasized the importance of skills acquisition as a potent tool to address the growing unemployment crisis in the country.

According to him, equipping unemployed youth with the necessary skills and working tools can transform them into employers, thereby reducing dependency on government jobs and contributing to the overall economic development of the nation.

“Providing youths with working tools is not just about immediate employment; it's about creating a ripple effect that can lead to job creation and economic stability,” AbdulRaheem stated.

The Senator's Technical Adviser on Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition, and Job Creation, Mr. Nas AbdulKadri, also highlighted the significance of the training, noting that the programme is designed to educate participants on the effective utilization of the tools and resources they receive, ensuring sustainable business growth.

AbdulKadri, who also serves as one of the lead trainers, emphasized that skill acquisition is globally recognized as a key strategy in poverty reduction and economic empowerment.

The Senator's Legislative Assistant, Alhaji Tunde Abdulkadri, provided further insights into the structure of the programme, revealing that the training phase began with 320 artisans and will subsequently extend to 600 market women, who will receive targeted training tailored to their specific trades.

According to him, beneficiaries, ranging from mechanics and electricians to laundry service operators and caterers, will be equipped with essential tools designed to enhance their business operations and prevent the misuse or sale of provided resources.

“The goal is to discourage the old practice of beneficiaries selling the items they receive. Instead, we want to ensure they use these tools to genuinely grow their businesses and contribute to the local economy,” Abdulkadri said.

Representing Senator Mustapha at the event, the Director-General of the Saliu Mustapha Foundation, Alhaji Ambali Shuaib, reiterated the Senator's commitment to supporting both federal and state government efforts in poverty alleviation.

Shuaib assured participants that, beyond the training, they would receive start-up capital and vital working tools necessary to successfully launch and sustain their ventures.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the initiative with a promise that items that would be given to them would not be sold.

A caterer from Asa Local Government Area, Tajudeen Balkis Tanwa, and Lawal Mustapha from Ilorin West, praised Senator Mustapha for his proactive approach to improving their livelihoods, noting that the programme would significantly boost their businesses and economic standing.

“This empowerment programme by Senator Saliu Mustapha is not only a step toward reducing unemployment but also a vital investment in the future of Kwara Central, aimed at fostering a culture of self-reliance and entrepreneurship”.