By Ahmed Ajikobi
As part of the celebration for the 25th coronation anniversary of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Ilorin Emirates Youth Development Associations (IEYDA) has empowered no fewer than 1,150 youths in the state.
The empowerment cut across the five Local Governments that make up the Emirate namely Ilorin West, Ilorin South, Ilorin East, Asa and Moro.
The association as part of its corporate social responsibility gave out items worth N5million to 150 youths to enable them to be self reliant.
The items include cobbler machines, sewing machines, computers, grinding engines among others.
Also, the association in collaboration with Nigeria Directorate of Employment (NDE) secured small scales loan for 1000 youth a startup capital for Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the event, the Grand Kadi of Ilorin, Honourable Justice Idris Abdullah Haroon called on government and well-to-do people to empower the youth, noting that they are the greatest assets of any nation.
Also speaking, the First Lady of Kwara State, Mrs Folake Abdulrahman commended activities of the IEYDA towards the development of youth in the state and promised that her office would do everything to support the association.
The First Lady who was represented by the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Hajia Sa’adat Kawu Madibo charged the Ilorin Emirates youths to keep up what they are doing.
Speaking to our reporter, one of the beneficiaries, Alabi Sukurat commended the organizers for the effort at making youths in the Emirate financially independent.
Similarly, Afusat Alamayo of Moro Local Government appreciated the association for making life bearable for beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the national President IEYDA, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde said the empowerment was embarked in honour of the Emir who clocked 25years on the throne.
The association also gave awards to members who had contributed to the development of IEYDA among them were Sheriff Shagaya, Saadat Hassan Morenike and Yahaya Alapansapa.
