An Ilorin-based philanthropist, Alhaji Tajudeen Onil, has doled out N350,000 to 35 indigents in a bid to assist the less privileged in Kwara.
The 35 beneficiaries included the aged, widows and petty traders who were selected from various wards in the llorin emirate.
Each of the beneficiaries received a sum of N10,000 to boost their petty trades.
Presenting the grants to the beneficiaries, Onil said the gesture was to alleviate the sufferings of the less privileged in the society.
He noted that as the nation’s economy bites harder, several downtrodden, especially the aged and widows, were facing hard times.
Onil said he embarked on the empowerment programme to complement the efforts of President Muhammad Bihari towards eradicating poverty among Nigerians.
He added that the gesture was also to emulate poverty eradication programmes of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara and that of the Senator representing Kwara central, Dr lbrahim Oloriegbe.
Onil advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the little amount to further boost their businesses.
He called on wealthy Nigerians at home and in Diaspora, as well as corporate bodies and organisations to complement government’s effort towards eliminating poverty among Nigerians
He noted that government, no matter how benevolent, could singlehandedly solve the all problems confronting the people. Alhaji Fatima AbdulRaheem and Mallam Amanda Kadir-Okelele, who were among the beneficiaries, expressed their gratitude to Onil for the gesture.