ILF Holds Annual Dinner In Ilorin, Discloses Plans To Raise New Generation Of Entrepreneurs, Investors

Members of the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation (ILF) and their guests came together on Friday, May 29, 2026, for the association’s annual dinner at the Innovation Hub, Ilorin, and it was an evening that brought prominent sons and daughters of the Kwara State capital together for a warm and lively celebration.

Apart from the wining and dining, the organizers also ensured that the gathering served as a platform to chart for Ilorin emirate a new agenda of development, unity, brotherhood, and general wellbeing of the townsfolk.

Giving his speech, president of the association, Alhaji Lukman Abdulahi Atanda submitted that Ilorin Likeminds Foundation has continued to grow in leaps and bounds and also remained committed to its core vision while disclosing plans to raise a new generation of entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors in Ilorin Emirate who will become employers of labour, innovators, and drivers of economic prosperity.

The association, he added, is gradually shifting its focus beyond conventional skill acquisition programmes to the broader and more impactful goal of entrepreneurship development within ‘our community’.

‘While vocational skills remain important, we strongly believe that sustainable economic growth can only be achieved when individuals are empowered not merely to learn trades, but to establish businesses, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to economic development.

It is therefore our vision to raise a new generation of entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors within our community — individuals who will become employers of labour, innovators, and drivers of economic prosperity.

In this regard, we humbly appeal to successful investors and business owners among us to partner with the Foundation by identifying areas of opportunities and gaps within their various enterprises where our youths can be mentored, supported, and integrated into viable business ventures. Through such collaborations, we can collectively nurture future millionaires, strengthen our local economy, and secure a better future for the coming generation’ he said.

The Ilorin Likeminds Foundation has also according to him attached importance to enhancing its revenue base and has therefore explored various funding options, including investments, partnerships with corporate organizations, and collaborations with other NGOs while noting that a committee has been set up in that regard.

‘As part of this effort, we paid a working visit to Dr. Limota Goroso-Giwa, a respected NGO administrator with decades of experience, to understudy sustainable funding models for nonprofit organizations. Following that fruitful engagement, a committee was constituted to further develop practical strategies for strengthening the financial base of the Foundation and reducing excessive dependence on donations from members’ he said..

Atanda added that the association has initiated discussions on the possible renovation and upgrading of a ward at a state government hospital which will stand as a lasting legacy project.  Necessary consultations with relevant medical authorities are also according to him ongoing towards achieving this noble objective.

‘In addition to our developmental efforts, the Foundation has continued its humanitarian and welfare support programmes. During the year under review, we sustained our support for vulnerable persons through Ramadan outreach programmes, support for correctional centres, and assistance to members facing health and bereavement challenges’ he added.

Atanda urged members of the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation to continue to provide necessary support noting that ‘the dreams we have for our community can only become reality through collective commitment, shared responsibility, and sincere dedication’.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadudeen Salahudeen commended the association for supporting the developmental efforts of the state government.

He submitted that what the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation has done is truly remarkable while commending the association for providing opportunities and introducing initiatives and schemes like scholarships and medical outreach programme through which it has improved lives.

He also noted that the Abdulrazaq administration has moved Kwara State from analogue to digital economy while asserting that the Ilorin Innovation Hub which was established to unlock opportunities in digital economy is the most advanced and the largest in Africa.

 Daudu Ballah, Alhaji Aliyu Kolapo Abdulkadir said he was delighted to attend the event while urging all sons and daughters of Ilorin emirate to prioritize the growth and progress of the emirate like the association has done.

He assured members of the Ilorin Likeminds Foundation that traditional rulers will support the association and any group that shows commitment to the growth and progress of Ilorin.

 Also speaking, Alhaja Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi commended the association for coming up with initiatives and schemes that will not only improve lives but will also help to keep young people away from yahooyahoo, banditry and other vices.

Architect Abdulazeez Bolaji, who noted that the gathering was an opportunity to bring everyone together, also emphasized the need to bring back the culture of communalism, principle of collectivism, cooperation, and mutual interdependence

Dignitaries at the event include former Minister for Housing and Environment, Architect Tayo Halimah Alao, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s Special Adviser and Counsellor, Alhaji Saadudeen Salahudeen, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Alhaji Razaq Jiddah, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, who is currently the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, Alhaja Nimota Nihinlola Akanbi, Professor Mutalib Lambe Adesina, Daudu Ballah, Alhaji Aliyu Kolapo Abdulkadir, Dr Garba Yusuf Manjo,, Dr Yusuf Lawal, Alhaji Ahmed Alasirin, Editor, Blueprint Newspaper, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrauf, Alhaji Shehu Oniguguru, and Barrister Moyosore .

Mr Bolaji Gobir was the MC while Alhaji Abduljeleel Okutagidi and Aladeowo were on the bandstand to entertain members of the association and the guests-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you