The Kwara State Government has praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for supporting a livelihood empowerment programme that will provide motorcycles, tricycles, vocational training and entrepreneurship support to 970 vulnerable Nigerians in Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The commendation was made during the official distribution of motorcycles and tricycles under the Transformative Skills and Livelihood Empowerment Programme, funded by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) and implemented by the Abubakar As-Siddiq Philanthropic Home (ASPH) in Ilorin.

Representing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the event, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi described the initiative as a transformative intervention that aligns with the state government's efforts to reduce poverty, promote self-reliance and stimulate socio-economic development.

He said the programme extends beyond the distribution of motorcycles and tricycles by creating sustainable sources of income for vulnerable members of society.

"This initiative goes beyond distributing assets; it is about restoring hope, promoting self-reliance and creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable members of our society. It complements the efforts of the Kwara State Government to empower youths and drive economic growth," Alabi said.

He urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by using the assets to build sustainable businesses and improve their living standards.

The deputy governor also reaffirmed the government's readiness to partner with development organisations on programmes that improve the welfare of residents across the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nna-Fatimah, described the intervention as another milestone in the state's poverty reduction strategy, stressing that sustainable empowerment remains more impactful than temporary assistance.

She explained that beneficiaries in Kwara were selected through referrals from care homes and outreach programmes coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development to ensure the support reached those who genuinely needed it.

Nna-Fatimah commended the Abubakar As-Siddiq Philanthropic Home for sustaining humanitarian interventions in the state, noting that the organisation had previously distributed food items, vocational kits, motorcycles and tricycles to vulnerable residents.

She encouraged beneficiaries to maintain the assets properly and use them to create lasting economic opportunities for themselves and their families.

Earlier, the President of Abubakar As-Siddiq Philanthropic Home, AbdulRazzaq Salman, said the programme is designed to restore dignity and create sustainable economic opportunities for vulnerable Nigerians.

According to him, the initiative includes vocational training in tailoring, fashion design, catering and hospitality, information and communication technology, shoemaking, leatherworks, photography and videography.

He added that participants would also receive entrepreneurship and business development training before being provided with starter packs and equipment to establish their own businesses.

Salman explained that beneficiaries were selected through a transparent assessment process to ensure fairness and accountability while thanking the Kwara State Government and the Ministry of Social Development for supporting the successful implementation of the programme.

He also appreciated the Federal Road Safety Corps for providing operational and road safety training to beneficiaries receiving motorcycles and tricycles.

According to him, the motorcycles and tricycles represent more than transportation, serving as tools for economic empowerment, financial independence and improved livelihoods for vulnerable families.