…Beneficiaries Get 30 New Sienna Vehicles, 20 Tractors, 10,000 Bags of Fertilisers and more
…I have never witnessed something like this before in kwara – Sen Lola Ashiru
By Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri.
In a landmark event aimed at boosting economic and agricultural development, Senator Saliu Mustapha distributed a wide range of empowerment materials to beneficiaries at the Alubarika Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme. The event, held at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority on 28th February 2025, witnessed the distribution of thousands of items designed to uplift farmers, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs across the region.
The empowerment programme, which is part of Senator Mustapha’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, saw the distribution of over 10,000 bags of fertilisers, 20 tractors, and 30 brand new Sienna vehicles. Additionally, 55 tricycle trucks and 52 truck tricycles were handed over to beneficiaries to enhance transportation and logistics for small businesses.
In a bid to support agro-processing and industrial growth, the senator also distributed 30 complete industrial rice milling equipment, 25 transformers, and 25 complete garri processing machines. Over 400 pumping machines, 50 industrial baking ovens, and 50 fish smoking ovens were also provided to boost food production and preservation.
Livestock and crop farmers were not left out, as 100 cows, 2,000 yam tubers, and hundreds of bags of maize, beans, garri, and other essential crops were distributed. The programme also included the provision of 500 grinding machines, 400 freezers, and 200 generators to support small-scale enterprises.
To further empower artisans, 200 butterfly sewing machines, 55 industrial sewing machines, and 100 rewire and mechanic toolboxes were distributed. Additionally, 100 gas-powered pressing irons were given to support tailoring businesses.
The senator also extended his support to dry-season farmers, providing 200 complete solar installation equipment and other farming tools. Aso Oke weavers received 60 sets of equipment to enhance their craft, while 1,000 umbrellas were distributed to protect farmers and traders from harsh weather conditions.
In a remarkable gesture, Senator Mustapha also distributed a variety of fruits and vegetables, including 100 big bags of watermelon, 100 cartons of apples, 150 bags of pineapples, 200 bags of oranges, and 200 baskets of tomatoes and peppers. Other items included 200 bags of onions, 100 bags of cabbage, 200 bunches of bananas, and 50 baskets of okro and sweet potatoes.
The event also featured the distribution of 400 cartons of fish, 100 bags of coconuts, and 50 bags of broccoli, further highlighting the senator’s commitment to improving nutrition and food security in the region.
Speaking at the event, Senator Mustapha emphasized the importance of self-reliance and community development. “This empowerment programme is not just about giving out materials; it is about creating opportunities for our people to thrive and contribute to the growth of our economy,” he said.
Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude, noting that the materials would go a long way in improving their livelihoods. Speaking to InsiderNg, Abdullateef, one of the beneficiaries said: “This is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. With these tools, I can expand my farming business and provide for my children”.
The Alubarika Renewed Hope Empowerment Programme has been hailed as a significant step towards poverty alleviation and economic empowerment in the region. Senator Mustapha’s efforts have been widely applauded, with many calling for more initiatives of this nature to drive sustainable development across Nigeria.
Senator Lola Ashiru, the Deputy Leader of the Senate, described the empowerment programme as highly exceptional. According to him, such an initiative has never been witnessed before anywhere in Kwara.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, stated that he is not surprised that the Turaki is undertaking something monumental for his people. He noted that the senator has consistently advocated for the concerns of the good people of Kwara Central at every opportunity during plenary sessions. He urged the people to reciprocate this generous gesture by voting overwhelmingly for the APC in the 2027 elections.
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