Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, has supported over 300 small-scale business owners, craftsmen, and artisans in his district through a multi-million naira programme.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), provided each beneficiary with funds ranging from N100,000 to N500,000.

According to the lawmaker, the programme aims to strengthen small businesses, create jobs, and promote economic independence among constituents.

Speaking during the event, Mustapha’s Director General for Ilorin East, Hon. Bashirat Kolawole, said the grants were aimed at uplifting entrepreneurs and helping them expand their businesses.

According to her, the senator has consistently championed initiatives that make his constituents self-reliant rather than dependent.

A political analyst, Comrade Lanre Ishowo, commended Senator Mustapha as a genuine philanthropist who has positively affected countless lives.

The SMEDAN representative, Mr. Marvelous Atta, described the programme as a major milestone in empowering skilled workers across the district.

He said: “Craftsmen and small business owners that are the ‘lifeblood of the economy’ are often hindered by limited access to capital, inadequate training, and lack of modern tools.

“This grant is not merely a financial intervention; it is a testament to our collective belief in the potentialities of local craftsmen and skilled workers.”

He, however, assured that SMEDAN would complement the support with training, mentorship, and other resources to maximise the scheme’s impact.

Beneficiaries drawn from across the senatorial district expressed appreciation to Mustapha, noting that the empowerment would enable them to expand their ventures and improve their quality of life.
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