Member of the House of Representatives representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Yinka Aluko, has empowered at least 600 youths and women in the constituency with start-up items and toolkits to promote self-reliance.

Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of Economic Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation items/toolkits organised for women and youths in the constituency in collaboration with the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority, Dr Yinka Aluko said the initiative's aim is to give back to society and reduce poverty levels among the people.

Represented by his legislative aide, Barr. Isiaka Amode, Aluko stated that the empowerment items distributed should be seen as a right, not a privilege. He commended the beneficiaries for their support of him and the state government, urging them to continue in that direction.

He advised beneficiaries to ensure they use the items given for their intended purposes, to improve their livelihoods.

The lawmaker also urged those not included in this empowerment round to exercise patience, as the next batch would come shortly.

Aluko advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and start up a business no matter how small and not sell the items.

In his address the Coordinator of the empowerment programme,Abdullahi Galadima said the essence of the empowerment is to improve the economic well-being of the beneficiaries.

He said the beneficiaries were selected directly from communities in the federal constituency without recourse to party affiliation.

In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries, Akande Adekunle and Aremu Oyinkansola, said the empowerment items will enhance their businesses.

They said the income made will be used to support the family.

They however, appealed to other beneficiaries not to contemplate selling the items, adding that they should use them for the purposes they are meant for.