The programme which was held at the Emir’s palace, Ilorin was at the instance of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, (IEYDA).

Speaking at the event, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari called on the association to intensify more efforts on other programmes and activities that would further accelerate socio-economic growth of the Ilorin Emirate and the state in general.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari who was represented by the Balogun Agba of Ilorin, Alhaji Aliu Adebayo urged the members of the association to be more united advised the executives to see their position a rotational towards serving the interest of the people.

Earlier, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen, said IEYDA was established to assist the less privileged in the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.

He added that the group has continued to embarke on projects that would inspire the lives of people positively.

The National President however mentioned the establishment of primary school, modern block industries, rental service and other vocational engagement to address the unemployment problem amongst the youth.

In a remark, the chairman of the event, Professor Saka Nuhu urged the political office holders to involve community development associations and traditional rulers in their empowerment programmes to actually reach the needy.

The Don, who is also the first Professor of Veterinary Medicine in Ilorin emirate decried the increasing rate of unemployment in the country and commended the association for the programme to reduce the unemployment rate in the society.

In his lecture, an Abuja based Islamic scholar, Alhaji Sarafadeen Abdulsalam Aliagan called on leaders in the society to alleviate the suffering of the masses through empowerment programmes.

Alhaji Abdulsalam Aliagan, who is chief Imam of NASFAT central mosque remained public office holders to see their position as strategies opportunities to serve humanity by contributing positively to the society.

Also speaking on “Participatory government: The way out of effects of democratic deficit in Nigeria”, the Acting Director, Centre for Community Development, Kwara State University, Malete, Mr Lawal Olohungbebe stressed the need for community based organizations to always be involved in any empowerment programmes.

ROYAL NEWS reports that Olohungbebe further urged community development associations like IEYDA to distribute any empowerment items collected on behalf of the people without fear or favour.

While advising the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items received to better their lots, he urged well-to-do individuals to assist the needy and the less-privileged in the society.

Speaking with journalist, the National Publicity of the Association, Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunma, praised the donors for their continued support at all time, stressing that the yearly empowerment Programme was meant to support potential youth within the emirate to be self reliance in order to reduce poverty and hardship in the community.

Highlight of the occasion was distribution of empowerment items such as tricycles, sewing machines, generators, clippers, grinding machines and payment of NABTEB fees for intending candidates.
Source: https://www.royalnews.com.ng/2018/02/22/emir-of-ilorin-to-groups-emulate-ilorin-emirate-youths-development-association/

The monarch made the call in his message at the presentation of the award of excellence to the National Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Mr Dickson Akoh in llorin.

The award, which was at the Instance of the Ilorin Emirate Youths Integrity Vanguard, was received by the Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps in Kwara, Mr Lukman Yekinni on behalf of the National Commandant.

Sulu-Gambari, represented by the Balogun Afin of llorin, Alhaji Mohammed Nuhu, noted that no meaningful development could be attained in an atmosphere of chaos and acrimony.

The emir urged the Nigerian Peace Corps to ensure peace and unity.

He advised the corps to play a complementary role with other security outfits in the state so that peace will always reign supreme in all parts of Kwara and Nigeria in general.

Sulu-Gambari advocated for more enlistment of the indigenes into the Nigeria Peace Corps as a way of minimising unemployment among youths.

The emir praised the foresight of the llorin emirate youths vanguard for initiating the award and advised other social organisations to emulate them.

Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla, Guest speaker and a Lecturer at the Kwara State College of Education, emphasized the relevance of peace as one of the indices needed in any society for economic growth and development.

Ayinla charged the Nigeria Peace Corps to further complement on the peace and harmony for development to be attained.

One of the founders of the llorin youth vanguard, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Aiyelabegan, urged the Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps in Kwara to abide with norms and traditions of the state and ensure that peace reigns at all times

The state Commandant of the Nigeria Peace Corps, Mr Lukman Yekinni, pledged to intensify efforts toward ensuring peaceful co-existence among the people in the state.

Source: https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2017/10/28/emir-tasks-peace-corps-security/