The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has continued its grassroots empowerment drive across Kwara State with the distribution of Aso-Ofi weaving materials to local craftsmen and women in Ilorin.
This, he said was part of efforts to support indigenous enterprise, preserve cultural craftsmanship, and strengthen economic opportunities for residents
The intervention, which focused primarily on men and women engaged in the traditional Aso-Ofi weaving trade, provided beneficiaries with essential materials needed to support and expand their businesses.
The initiative is expected to enhance productivity among local artisans while promoting sustainable income generation through skill-based entrepreneurship.
The Foundation noted that the empowerment programme is part of its broader commitment to improving livelihoods and supporting communities through practical, people-oriented interventions.
Speaking during the programme, the Director of Youth Mobilization of the Kwara Peoples Democratic Party, Abdulmumeen Muhammed, disclosed that the intervention was a direct response to requests made by the Aso-Ofi weavers during grassroots engagements held weeks earlier.
According to him, “We met the Aso-Ofi weavers through grassroots engagement and they requested this support weeks ago, and today Dr. Saraki, through his ABS Foundation, has delivered. Every beneficiary got the exact items they requested, while some received complete Aso-Ofi weaving materials. The beneficiaries were drawn from different political wards across the three local government areas of Ilorin West, Ilorin East and Ilorin South.”
He added that the intervention further demonstrated the Foundation’s commitment to responding directly to the needs of ordinary people through targeted empowerment initiatives capable of improving livelihoods.
The Aso-Ofi empowerment comes barely a day after the Foundation carried out another intervention programme involving financial support for women and small business owners in Ilorin on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Beneficiaries of the programme received monetary assistance aimed at strengthening their businesses, improving economic stability, and supporting their families amid prevailing economic challenges.
Beyond the recent interventions in Ilorin, the Foundation is also set to expand its agricultural empowerment initiative across the five local government areas of Kwara North — Moro, Kaiama, Baruten, Patigi, and Edu — where farmers are expected to receive support and resources to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
In addition, the Foundation has commenced the distribution of solar lights across communities to improve access to lighting, enhance safety, and support households in underserved areas facing electricity challenges.
Over the years, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation has remained actively involved in several humanitarian and development-focused interventions covering education, healthcare, youth development, entrepreneurship, social welfare, and community support.
The Foundation’s consistent interventions have continued to reflect the vision of its founder, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki — Former Senate President and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate — whose commitment to grassroots development and human capital empowerment has remained central to the organisation’s activities.
Many beneficiaries of the various empowerment initiatives have described the interventions as timely and impactful, expressing optimism that the support would help improve their businesses and overall standard of living.
The Foundation maintained that sustainable development can only be achieved when communities are adequately supported with opportunities, resources, and empowerment capable of improving their future.
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