The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) has successfully organized a multi-million naira economic empowerment programme aimed at supporting widows, youths, and persons in need across Ilorin Emirate.
The event, held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, was spearheaded by the association under the leadership of its National President, Alhaji Uthman Jagunma, popularly known as Jagunma Oba Ilorin.
The large-scale empowerment initiative covered beneficiaries from all five local government areas within the Ilorin Emirate—Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Asa, and Moro. The programme was designed to boost economic growth within the Emirate and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals, including widows and people with special needs.
Speaking at the event, Jagunma outlined the selection criteria and categories of beneficiaries. According to him, financial support ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦200,000 was distributed to numerous beneficiaries. He added that the empowerment programme extended beyond cash grants to include the provision of working tools and equipment for small business owners and the underprivileged.
The initiative also supported various local industries, including producers of traditional clay pots (Koko Alamo) and local lanterns (Jango), among others.
The event attracted prominent dignitaries from across the Ilorin Emirate. Notable attendees included the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji As-Prof. Usman Atolagbe Abubakar Jos, who served as the Royal Father of the day; the Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Dr. Mujitaba Yusuf Bature, who attended as the Spiritual Father; and Sheikh Imam Shafi’i Shuaib Alaye, who delivered the guest lecture.
Also present were representatives of the Kwara State Government, including aides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as well as Saliu Mustapha and Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, alongside other notable sons and daughters of the Emirate.
The programme took place at the IEYDA Secretariat in Edun, Ilorin, and was attended by thousands of residents from across the state.
In his closing remarks, Jagunma reaffirmed his commitment to continuous support and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of youths across the Ilorin Emirate.