Senator Mustapha launches multi-million naira farming empowerment programme in Kwara central
• NIHORT commends Senator’s empowerment efforts
Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, has launched a multi-million naira training and empowerment programme for youth and women in his constituency, focused on dry season farming and the horticultural value chain.
The workshop, which began today at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, is organised by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in partnership with Gemstone Integrated Farm Nigeria Ltd.
At the launch, Senator Mustapha, represented by his legislative aide Tunde Abdulkadir, explained that participants from the four local government areas in Kwara Central would gain both technical skills in dry season farming and practical knowledge of the horticultural value chain.
He assured them that, beyond the training, they would also receive the tools and resources needed to apply their new skills.
Senator Mustapha expressed confidence that the programme would help beneficiaries become self-sufficient and contribute to Kwara’s agricultural economy.
He encouraged participants to take the training seriously, as it would equip them with skills to improve their farming and enhance their livelihoods.
Dr Joel Akindele Akinfasoye, NIHORT’s representative, praised the programme as a rare opportunity, noting that the free training would normally cost each participant hundreds of thousands of naira.
He commended Senator Mustapha for his ongoing commitment to empowering his constituents and urged him to continue his good work.
Dr Akinfasoye also encouraged participants to appreciate the training and apply the knowledge they gained.
Expressing her gratitude, Abdulrasaq Fatimah, a participant from Asa local government, thanked Senator Mustapha for his efforts to support local agriculture and economic empowerment.
She noted that the skills and resources she gained would help her become self-employed and create new income streams.
Aduagaba Faruq Olaitan, another participant from Ilorin South, shared that he had already learned valuable practices for dry season farming, effective horticultural techniques, and strategies to increase yield and profitability.
He prayed for continued wisdom and success for Senator Mustapha as he serves the people of Kwara Central.
