A new dimension has been introduced to empowerment in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The new approach, a departure from the past, is being championed by a Professor of Business Law, Muhammad Mustapha Akanbi.

Akanbi, a former dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin is also the son of elder statesman, Justice Mustapha Akanbi.

The new empowerment scheme entails collection of materials from voluntary donors across the globe and re distribution of such items to members of the public at give away prices.

The unique feature of the scheme is the fact that the prospective beneficiaries would not be subjected to any screening and or selection process. Everyone is free to participate in the scheme by signifying interest in a particular item or items and paying a token to obtain such items.

Under the scheme, items are given out almost free of charge. For instance, a skirt/ blouse costs only N100, a pressing iron costs only N500 while a sewing machine costs a paltry N700.

Also, there is no class consideration in the empowerment scheme.

LEADERSHIP Sunday spotted a Phd holder purchasing a high quality canvas for only N700.

The initiator of the novel empowerment scheme christened it as MMGIVIT Charitable Initiative.

The official launching of the scheme took place at the premises of Government Day Secondary School, Karuma, Ilorin, last weekend.

It featured distribution of valuable items at give away prices to the less-privileged.

Items distributed include clothing materials, office and household furniture and equipment, electrical and electronic items, toys, watches, jewellry, children’s wears and footwear, among others.

The initiator, Prof Akanbi, said the initiative was his own way of giving back to the society.

He said MMGIVIT is a non-governmental, non-political, non-faith-based and non-tribal inclined organisation aimed at redistributing wealth for the upliftment of the less privileged.

“Consequently, we set out to collect durable, quality items in good condition that are no longer desirable or relevant to the owners so that they can be redistributed to bring comfort to the less-privileged, irrespective of the types or quality of the items,” he explained.

He explained that the proceeds from the sales would be used to fund the logistics of the scheme and the balance would be used to support good causes like offsetting school or medical bills of other less-privileged people.

“In adding to the charity sales, we have set up an education desk being manned by a professional who will engage youths on matters relating to education. He will be giving out materials including e-copies of UME past questions since 1991, exercise books and stationary,” he added.

Akanbi further noted that the free health test conducted by professionals on diabetes and blood pressure was in view of the importance of health in the life of every human being, emphasising that MMGIVIT charity sales would be an annual event to commemorate his birthday which falls on the 24th of January, and thanked the donors for their support .

“I humbly implore you to please give it out! Decongest and de-cluster your homes, wardrobes, offices and even garages. Support the MMGIVIT cause. Send your good condition, quality and durable items to us. We promise you that accountability shall be our watchword. However, donors who wish to remain anonymous shall have their identities covered,” he stated.

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Ayo Salami (rtd), described the initiative as first of its kind.

He noted that the scheme was established purely as a charitable organisation to cater for the masses, irrespective of political parties, tribal or religious inclinations.

In a brief lecture, a former Grand Khadi of Kwara state, Justice AbdulMutalib Ambali, said the initiative was a lesson for wealthy individuals to assist the less-privileged in the society.

He described the initiative which gives to charity without considering religious inclination, as a good platform to extend happiness, appreciate God and seek for His blessings in this life and hereafter.

The Vice Chairman of Mustapha Akanbi Foundation (MAF), Dr Mudashir Abdulsalam, said the initiative was a true reflection of the humane gesture of the founder of MAF, Justice Mustapha Akanbi.

The Chairman, Board of Advisers of MMGIVIT, Dr Ibrahim Kayode Adam, said the initiative was designed to serve as an implementation model for the spread of kindness within humanity and to raise the welfare standard of the less-privileged.