By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association on Thursday, has empowered 150 people as part of the 6th annual Lailatul Qadir and Empowerment Programme held at IEYDA National Secretariat, Ilorin, Kwara State.
In his lecture, an Islamic scholar, As-Shaykh Abubakar Issa-Olayinka popularly known as Baba Otte called on Muslim youths to be involved in community development.
As-Shaykh Issa-Olayinka, the Guest Speaker at the event commended the Ilorin Emirate Youth for putting smile on the faces of the less privileged and charged them to sustain the tempo.
In his remarks, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen said IEYDA has been able to impact lives with the support of sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate.
He said over two million naira was donated by a philanthropist for the empowerment of petty traders, towards success of the programme.
Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Uthman Jagunma implored the beneficiaries to use the fund judiciously and appealed to sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate to continue with their support towards the Association’s programmes aimed at reducing poverty in the society.
The programme was attended by eminent personalities including the representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the representative of the wife of the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr Mrs Fatimoh Gambari represented by Alhaja Toyin Dare, the National President IEDPU, Alh Uthman Aliyu Otta, Alh Madibbo Sulu-Gambari, Alhaji Muritala Raheem and Alh. Jimoh Tokunboh, representative of Alh Idris Amasa.
Others are representatives of Council of Ulamma led by Imam Gambari, Sheikh Salihu Imam, Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Dr Mujitaba Bature and representative of Ilorin Emirate Alanguwa and Magaji Forum led by the Vice president, Alh Amosa Ojulari, Magaji Esinrogunjo, the Secretary, Alangua Owode, Alhaji Umar Sidiq Kayode, Engr Kameel Dauda, the immediate past president of the Ilorin Emirate Anchor men and women, Alh Bayo Olufadi, all the executives and members of the Development Associations across Ilorin Emirate under the umbrella of IEYDA.
Highlights of the programme was the presentation of cash to Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs, widows, aged among others.
