community

Saraki Foundation empowers 200 widows in Kwara

Published

1 year ago

September 26, 2024

Our Reporter

targets 70, 000 across Nigeria

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

No fewer than 200 widows from the Kwara Central and Kwara South Senatorial Districts in Kwara State have benefited from the empowerment programme of the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Foundation.

The Foundation also organised a business training workshop for the beneficiaries of the pilot phase of the project held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, towards enhancing their business proficiency.

ABS Foundation, which is a non-political NGO with a mission to touch the lives of vulnerable people,
focuses on health, education, youth empowerment, sports, and leadership mentoring.

In his address, the Foundation’s Project Director, North Central, Mallam Musa Aliyu, who explained that the beneficiaries were between the age bracket of 25 and 50 years, said there’s plan to “extend the empowerment support to 70,000 widows across Nigeria in the next few years”.

According to the Project Director, the objective is to provide widows with the requisite skills and resources required for sustainable economic independence.

He said: “The Foundation aims to make a remarkable difference in the lives of the widows, having identified some of the challenges confronting them. There’s also a plan to guide and monitor their progress.

“Research has consistently shown that widowhood is not only an emotional loss but also a severe economic and social burden for many women.

“Nigeria is home to an estimated 15 million widows, a significant portion of the global widow population of 258 million. In many cases, these women face discrimination, marginalisation, and exclusion from their communities and even from family support systems.

“Similarly, there is a strong linkage between children dropping out of school, deteriorating health, household indebtedness, and prevalent social issues linked to gender and social discrimination.

“This empowerment project is thus aimed at supporting widows to attain their right to protection, inclusion, and participation in the society where they will have the ability to cater for their needs and sustain their livelihoods.

“This pilot phase covers Enterprise Management Training, Empowerment Component as well as Networking and Knowledge Sharing.”

A resource person, Princess Opeyemi Adegbite, who spoke on the workshop theme, “Business Survival in a Challenged Economy”, stressed the need for entrepreneurs to possess hands-on knowledge in areas such as capital preservation, bookkeeping, and financial management.

Adegbite, an entrepreneurship and agri-business trainer, charged the beneficiaries to improve customer relations, cut costs of production by running business as cooperative, invest in areas of strength and be mindful of selling on credit.

Also speaking, the representative of the National Council for Women Society, Idris Atine Awah, and the Iyaloja General, Market Women Association, Adenike Abdulkareem Lambe, charged the beneficiaries on the need to make judicious use of the grant.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with newsmen appreciated the sponsor, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation and promised to make judicious use of the grant.

An elated beneficiary, Mrs Medina Mumini, from Ilorin West, expressed happiness at the financial assistance, saying
the fund would go a long way to promote her provision store and poultry farming.

Madam Shehu Khadijat, from Asa Local Government, who said the training session opened her eyes to the significance of customer relations and management, said:
“My yam flour business has been down for a while now, and reviving it, especially at this present time, has been impossible. But with this grant and the knowledge gained, this is a lifesaver.”

A raw food seller from Ilorin East local government, Ahmed Awahu, lauded the organisers and promised to be present at subsequent events to share her success story.

Another beneficiary from Ilorin South, Margaret Adejumo, appealed to the sponsors to continue to keep in touch with them to prevent many from being distracted, adding that
the financial support would help to stabilise her soap manufacturing business and poultry farming.

community

Youth Empowerment: Farmers Association honour Dangote, Edwin

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2025

Our Reporter

Describe refinery as Nigeria’s economic pride

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Youth Farmers Organization for Agricultural Development in Nigeria has honoured the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the company’s Vice President, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, with Merit Awards of Excellence for their remarkable contributions to national growth and youth empowerment.

The presentation took place during a two-day advocacy visit and facility tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos, where the youth farmers described the refinery as a “national pride” and a symbol of Nigeria’s industrial progress.

Speaking during the event, the National President of the Youth Farmers Organization, Abdulrahman Umar Etudaye, said the honour bestowed on Dangote as Grand Patron of the Group was in recognition of his commitment to nation-building, economic development, and empowerment of young Nigerians.

“Alhaji Aliko Dangote represents the spirit of hard work, vision, and patriotism. His contributions to the nation’s economy and his support for youth empowerment remain an inspiration to millions of Nigerians,” Etudaye said.

Similarly, Mr. Devakumar Edwin was honoured as Patron of the organization in appreciation of his exemplary leadership and continuous support for youth and agricultural development in the country.

Etudaye commended the Dangote Refinery for its world-class facilities and cutting-edge technology, noting that the project stands as a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic transformation. “The refinery is a source of pride to every Nigerian. It represents hope for industrialization, job creation, and energy independence,” he added.

In response, Mr. Edwin thanked the Youth Farmers Organization for the recognition and applauded their commitment to promoting food security and national development, reaffirming Dangote Industries’ resolve to continue investing in youth-oriented projects that drive sustainable growth across the country.

“We remain committed to supporting young Nigerians through empowerment initiatives and by creating opportunities that will secure the nation’s future,” Edwin said.

The youth farmers also invited Mr. Edwin to chair their forthcoming National Food Security Summit in Abuja and extended a special invitation to Alhaji Dangote as Guest of Honour.

The organization pledged to strengthen its collaboration with stakeholders, including Dangote Industries, to advance agricultural development, food security, and youth empowerment for a more prosperous Nigeria.

End

community

Nigeria @65: Aondoakaaa urges Nigerians to keep hope alive

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

Our Reporter

A former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaaa, SAN has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th Independence Day Celebration of the country.

In his goodwill message to celebrate Nigerians on the special occasion, Chief Aondoakaaa, a frontline 2027 governorship aspirant in Benue State called on Nigerians to keep their hope in the administration of President Bola Tinubu alive.

He called on Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, stressing that with time, they will understand that the administration means well for the country.

According to him, October 1st is more than just a public holiday, noting that it’s a time for Nigerians everywhere to celebrate freedom, reflect on how far the nation has come, and look forward with hope.

Furthermore, Chief Kaase Aondoakaaa urged Nigerians to continue to grow together in unity and strength. He also urged them to keep the spirit of unity and love alive.

In his prayer for the nation, Chief Aondoakaaa prayed to God to make Nigeria’s future brighter than the past

He however implored Nigerians to continue to pray for all the leaders in the country as they are the ones God has chosen to lead.

community

wanted bandit kingpin accepts peace deal in katsina

Published

3 weeks ago

September 15, 2025

Our Reporter

A notorious bandit leader, Isiya Kwashen Garwa, who was recently declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters, has reportedly accepted a peace deal in Katsina State.

Zagazola Makama gathered that Garwa, whose name features among 19 most-wanted terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, has turned up in Hayin Gada community, Faskari Local Government Area, presenting himself as an advocate of dialogue.

Garwa, originally from Kamfanin Daudawa village in Faskari LGA, has long been linked to killings, kidnappings and raids across forest belts in Katsina and neighbouring states.

Security experts describe him as part of a wider network of armed leaders destabilising the North-West and North Central through cross-border operations, exploiting of weak state presence.

Despite his bloody record, Garwa’s recent posture signals a possible shift in approach, as local leaders and security stakeholders weigh the implications of his acceptance of peace terms.

Reactions remain divided. While some residents see the development as a chance to restore calm in long-troubled communities, others question the sincerity of the bandit leader, recalling the atrocities attributed to his group.