Saliu Mustapha: Celebrating the Protagonist of Inclusive Politics @53
By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr
Every 25th September is a day to celebrate the birth of Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin. As an individual, I relish talking about him on his special day because I share his political belief and ideology.
His kind of politics has no need for tension and suspicion as his eyes are always on the ball. He is, indeed, the protagonist of the drama of inclusive politics in our contemporary time.
Since he became a Senator he has sustained the tempo of listening and acting on the yearnings of his people in many respects. In the area of electricity, for instance, he has provided transformers to countless numbers of communities, thereby lighting up those communities.
Also, he has sustained his scholarship for the indigent students in Kwara Central senatorial district and beyond. His annual NECO, WAEC and JAMBS have been consistent as thousands of students have benefited. In 2024 about 200 students were awarded full university scholarships across various universities by Senator Mustapha. As a matter of fact, the process to award another set of students for the year 2025 has commenced. Let it be on record that Senator Mustapha is the only incumbent Senator from Kwara that has given such a huge number of scholarships to the indigent students in Kwara Central.
In agriculture, farmers have been empowered with farming tools and fertilizers. He didn’t stop there, he has specially organized training and empowerment for poultry farmers across Kwara Central.
Recently,He rolled out 100m T-Cash for, artisans, business men and women across Kwara Central in partnership with SMEDAN.Some received 500,000 each, Some 300,000 while some went home with 200,000 each.The women were over the moon as they prayed for Turaki of Ilorin Emirate swiftly and plentifully for the kind gesture.
In Senator Mustapha’s words “.. This empowerment programme, implemented in partnership with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), is designed to support small-scale enterprises, artisans and hardworking men and women across our district.
I congratulate all the beneficiaries and urge them to make the best use of these grants to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
As we roll out this scheme, I look forward to introducing more initiatives that will empower my constituents and create a lasting economic impact across Kwara Central.”
His legislative responsibility has also been credited 8 sponsored bills at the floor of the Senate, which would usher in new developmental effort in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Significantly,his achievements are enormous for accommodation in this piece; however, an account of his strides as an incumbent Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District would be appropriate and rewarding.
Politically, he plays inclusive politics. One of the strengths of his politics is by reaching out to whoever has said good things about him. Many politicians remember only the people who make negative comments about them. Such individuals would thus get on their watchlist, using the law enforcement Agent instrumentality to harass them. When people say good things about you, as a politician, encouraging them is an healthy route because it avails you the opportunity to extend your political tentacles beyond your locality.
I wouldn’t dwell on his gigantic philanthropy because it is public knowledge that Senator Mustapha is kind and generous.
As he celebrates his birthday, I pray that Allah guides, protects and grants him long life in the service of his people and humanity.
I also pray to Allah to grant him that which his heart desires ahead of 2027 general elections.
Happy birthday to Atanda, our Amiable Principal and Senator.
