Empowerment: 200 Kwara youths benefit from Senator Mustapha’s solar power training program

In a continuation of his commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly, has once again provided training for 200 young people in his constituency.

This time, the focus was on equipping the youths with essential skills in solar power installation and maintenance, a rapidly growing sector in Nigeria’s renewable energy industry.

The three-day training, which began on October 17, 2024, was organized in collaboration with the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI).

The program aimed to empower the participants with the technical know-how to install and maintain solar systems, thus positioning them for self-reliance in the face of increasing energy demands.

At the closing ceremony, Senator Mustapha, represented by his legislative aide, Tunde Abdulkadir, emphasized that the initiative is part of his ongoing efforts to provide life-changing opportunities to the youths in Kwara Central.

The Senator disclosed that the 200 beneficiaries, selected from the four local government areas within his district, would also receive start-up tools to enable them to immediately practice their newly acquired skills.

“Through this training, we aim to empower our youth to not only become self-employed but also to contribute positively to the renewable energy sector. The skills learned here will be of immense benefit to the beneficiaries, their families, and the community at large,” Senator Mustapha said.

The recent training adds to the string of empowerment initiatives Senator Mustapha has rolled out in 2024 alone.

On August 20, the Saliu Mustapha Foundation organized a two-day digital workshop for over 100 Kwara youths.

The workshop, held to mark International Youth Day with the theme “Youth Digital Pathway for Sustainable Development,” equipped participants with knowledge on leveraging digital tools for self-reliance.

Participants included students, young entrepreneurs, media practitioners, and professionals from various fields.

That initiative was widely commended as it aimed to position young people to take advantage of the digital economy.

Earlier in the year, on July 31, Senator Mustapha made another significant contribution to his constituency by distributing 3,500 bags of 50kg fertilizer to smallholder farmers across Kwara Central.

According to the Senator, the move was designed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and boost food security in the district.

Mustapha’s media aide, Nasif Sholagberu said that the fertilizer distribution was part of a larger strategy by the lawmaker to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.

Just this week, Senator Mustapha also organized a four-day medical outreach targeting rural dwellers in Kwara Central.

The medical mission provided free treatments for various ailments, including malaria, typhoid, hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, among others.

The outreach, which covered all four local government areas, aimed at improving access to healthcare for residents, particularly those in underserved areas.

Alhaji Dan Musa, one of the facilitators of the solar installation training, commended Senator Mustapha for his consistent efforts in empowering his constituents.

He noted that the senator’s focus on both technical and digital skills, as well as his support for agriculture and healthcare, was transforming lives in Kwara Central.

“These youths now have the knowledge and tools to succeed in the solar energy field. It is a practical and timely intervention,” Musa said.

Dr. Ayodele Olowogbayi, representing ARMTI at the event, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the senator’s dedication to youth development.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to fully utilize the tools and knowledge provided.

“With this training, these young people are now part of the solution to our country’s energy challenges,” Olowogbayi said.

The beneficiaries of the solar training expressed their gratitude to Senator Mustapha for the opportunity.

Several noted that the skills they had acquired would help them secure jobs or start their own businesses, contributing to their financial independence.

They prayed for the senator to continue his good works in the district.

Commenting at the event, the legislator’s media aide, Nasif Sholagberu noted that he believed that Senator Mustapha’s series of empowerment programs across different sectors—from digital skills to agriculture and healthcare—continue to make a significant impact on the lives of his constituents.

He concluded that through these initiatives, he is ensuring that youths, farmers, and rural dwellers alike have access to the opportunities and support they need for a sustainable future.