Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home, a non-governmental organisation, has empowered dozens of orphaned and vulnerable children in Kwara State with vocational and life skills. The initiative is aimed at reducing youth unemployment and addressing the root causes of rising insecurity in the country.

The programme, titled the "Orphan Support Project," was implemented with funding from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre. The project's close-out and empowerment ceremony took place on Monday in Ilorin, the state capital.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home and Project Manager, Farid Salman, emphasised the social importance of the training. He warned that the neglect of vulnerable children poses a significant security risk to the wider society.

"If vulnerable children are neglected in society, there will be insecurity because an idle hand is the devil's workshop," Salman stated.

The training focused on equipping the participants with practical skills to ensure they become self-reliant. By providing these tools for economic independence, the project seeks to integrate vulnerable youths into the productive workforce and prevent them from being recruited into criminal activities.

Salman explained that the initiative, which commenced in March last year, was deliberately structured to move beyond short-term welfare support by prioritising long-term empowerment, self-reliance and sustainability.

He disclosed that beneficiaries had successfully completed vocational training in tailoring, catering, ICT and computer hardware maintenance, tricycle riding and welding, adding that the graduating participants received certificates and empowerment tools to support immediate economic independence

The project manager further revealed that training was ongoing in hairdressing, furniture and cabinet making, and electrical installation, noting that all required equipment had already been procured and would be handed over to beneficiaries upon completion.

According to him, the project also provided food supplies to orphanage homes and beneficiary households, while school fees covering two academic terms had been paid, with the final term and remaining learning materials scheduled for immediate disbursement.

"As of today, the Orphan Support Project has achieved about 95 per cent completion, with all activities aligned strictly with the approved proposal," Salman said.

He commended KSrelief for its support and also acknowledged the President of Abibakr As-Sidiq Philanthropic Home, Mallam AbdulRazzaq Ibrahim Salman, for his leadership and commitment to the welfare of vulnerable children.

Earlier, the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima Imam, described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that empowerment initiatives targeted at orphans aligned with the state government's mandate on child protection and poverty reduction.

"By equipping these children with vocational skills, you are giving them hope, dignity and a future. The government alone cannot address all social challenges, and partnerships with faith-based organisations like this are vital," she said.

The commissioner assured the foundation of the ministry's readiness to collaborate on future programmes, including skills acquisition, mentorship and psychosocial support for vulnerable children.

Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Olori Muslimat Dawodu expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the food supplies provided would enhance service delivery to about 80 orphans under her care.

"We are grateful to the foundation for the support; it will go a long way in helping us in our service to humanity," she said.