Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar, representing Kwara North Senatorial District, has officially launched the Inaugural Mentorship and Fellowship Program, themed “Empowering Young Leaders for a Bright and More Prosperous Future for Kwara State.”
The initiative aims to foster youth development and leadership within the state.
The opening ceremony, held at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, saw the gathering of young professionals, aspiring leaders, and government officials, all advocating for strategic youth engagement and empowerment.
Senator Umar emphasized that the program is designed to equip young Kwarans with essential leadership, innovation, and civic engagement skills. This will position them as active contributors to the state’s socio-economic growth. He described the program as a deliberate investment in the future of Kwara youths, complementing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s existing youth empowerment initiatives across the state.
“We will give them the necessary tools and links both in Nigeria and abroad,” Senator Umar stated. He added that participants would receive laptops and be monitored for three to six months, with serious participants being connected to further opportunities.
Dr. Lanre Shittu, Chairman of the Dele Shittu Group, highlighted that the program would provide fellows with hands-on training, leadership development sessions, engagement, and entrepreneurship mentorship. This, he believes, will cultivate a pipeline of capable and responsible future leaders. He also encouraged the youth to remain optimistic about the country’s future.
Alhaji Sadu Salahu, Senior Adviser and Counsellor to the Kwara State Governor, also spoke at the event, commending Senator Umar for prioritizing the youth and the future of Kwara State. He noted that the program aligns with Governor AbdulRazaq’s legacy of youth empowerment, from which Kwara youth have already significantly benefited.
Participants at the ceremony expressed optimism, describing the initiative as a crucial opportunity for young people seeking knowledge, skills, and platforms to lead.
