From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has reaffirmed his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural revolution and food security agenda by empowering over 2,500 constituents with tools and resources to boost agricultural productivity and entrepreneurship.
At an event tagged Alubarika 1.0 Agricultural and Human Capital Development Empowerment Programme, held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority’s premises in Ilorin, Kwara State, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin distributed various empowerment materials, including agricultural equipment, trade tools, and financial support to beneficiaries.
The initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration, which prioritises food security and self-reliance. To support the programme, Barau Jibrin led a delegation of senators and donated 200 sewing machines for distribution. He commended Mustapha for his proactive efforts, emphasizing that agriculture remains crucial to national development.
“Agriculture is the backbone of every society. Without food, there is no life. Senator Mustapha is complementing President Tinubu’s vision by directly empowering farmers and traders,” Barau said.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also hailed Mustapha’s initiative, noting that it aligns with the administration’s drive to make food more accessible and affordable. “This empowerment programme is a clear demonstration of support for Tinubu’s food security plan.
Senator Mustapha is playing a crucial role in ensuring that agriculture remains a priority.”
Items distributed at the event included 250 deep freezers, tricycles, 100 live cows, 450 grinding machines, eight tractors for the four local governments in Kwara Central, vehicles, gas-powered ovens with cylinders, 400 irrigation machines, power transformers, foodstuffs, fertilizers, and farm inputs. Additionally, 200 students received full university scholarships.
Mustapha emphasised that beyond distributing physical empowerment tools, beneficiaries had been trained and certified to enhance their entrepreneurial and farming skills. “This initiative is about creating self-reliance among market women, farmers, and trade associations. It is not just about providing tools but equipping people with the skills to use them effectively,” he said.