970 Vulnerable Nigerians To Benefit From Saudi Humanitarian Empowerment Programme

No fewer than 970 vulnerable Nigerians in Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will benefit from a skills acquisition and livelihood empowerment programme sponsored by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ilorin-based Abubakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home (ASPH) as part of efforts to promote self-reliance and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable households.

Speaking during the distribution of motorcycles, tricycles and cargo tricycles to beneficiaries in Ilorin on Sunday, the President of ASPH, Mallam AbdulRazaq Salman, represented by the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer, Barrister Farid Salman, said the initiative was being implemented in phases, with beneficiaries selected through a transparent process.

He said the event marked only one phase of a broader intervention designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills and the tools needed to establish sustainable businesses.

“Today’s ceremony is not the conclusion of this project; rather, it marks another important phase of a comprehensive livelihood intervention designed to empower 970 vulnerable Nigerians across Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory.

“This programme extends far beyond today’s distribution of motorcycles and tricycles. Hundreds of beneficiaries are currently undergoing practical vocational training in tailoring and fashion design, catering and hospitality, information and communication technology, shoemaking and leatherworks, as well as photography and videography through accredited partner institutions.

“Upon completion of their training, they will participate in entrepreneurship and business development programmes before receiving vocational starter kits and equipment to establish sustainable businesses,” he said.

Kwara State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his deputy, Kayode Alabi, said the initiative complements the state’s social investment and safety-net programmes.

According to him, the intervention is aimed at restoring hope, encouraging self-reliance and creating sustainable sources of income for vulnerable residents.

“This initiative goes beyond distributing assets; it is about restoring hope, promoting self-reliance, and creating sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable members of our society. It complements the commitment of the Kwara State Government, under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to youth empowerment, skills development and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The governor urged beneficiaries to make productive use of the items to improve their socio-economic well-being and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

Items distributed under the programme included motorcycles, tricycles and cargo tricycles.