Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has empowered over 300 small-scale business owners, craftsmen, and artisans through a multi-million naira intervention programme.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), provided financial grants ranging from N100,000 to N500,000 per beneficiary to support business expansion and economic resilience.

The senator said the programme is designed to strengthen micro-enterprises, create jobs, and promote self-reliance among constituents.

Speaking at the disbursement event, Hon. Bashirat Kolawole, Director General for Ilorin East in Mustapha's office, said the grants aim to uplift local entrepreneurs and enable them to scale their operations.

She highlighted that the senator has consistently prioritised empowerment initiatives that foster independence rather than dependency, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction.

A political analyst, Comrade Lanre Ishowo, commended Senator Mustapha as a genuine philanthropist who has positively affected countless lives.

The SMEDAN representative, Mr. Marvelous Atta, described the programme as a major milestone in empowering skilled workers across the district.

He said: "Craftsmen and small business owners that are the 'lifeblood of the economy' are often hindered by limited access to capital, inadequate training, and lack of modern tools.

"This grant is not merely a financial intervention; it is a testament to our collective belief in the potentialities of local craftsmen and skilled workers."

He, however, assured that SMEDAN would complement the support with training, mentorship, and other resources to maximise the scheme's impact.

Beneficiaries drawn from across the senatorial district expressed appreciation to Mustapha, noting that the empowerment would enable them to expand their ventures and improve their quality of life.