Abioro Athande Advocates Federal Support for Grassroots Youth Empowerment Foundations

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Badagry, Lagos — Former senatorial aspirant for Ogun West and chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Abioro Damilare Athande, has called on the Federal Government to deliberately support private organisations and foundations that are driving youth empowerment and grassroots development across Nigeria.

Abioro made the call during a New Year business associates’ get-together organised by Chief Kilanko Ibrahim Olalowo, popularly known as ALADO, the Chief Executive Officer of Alado Group of Companies and Finar Hotel and Resort, held in Badagry.

Speaking at the event, Abioro described private empowerment initiatives as critical partners in national development, noting that many of them are already filling gaps in youth development, education support, and small business growth.

“It is a good thing to be supportive of the development of our communities,” Abioro said. “Across Nigeria, there are grassroots initiators of progress who genuinely want to empower youths, students, widows and small business owners, but they lack sufficient financial strength. If the government recognises and supports these foundations, their impact will multiply and touch more lives.”

Abioro, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Dardolips Information Global Technology, a public relations and media consultancy, expressed deep appreciation to Chief Olalowo and his team for their sustained commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

“Chief Kilanko Ibrahim Olalowo has consistently demonstrated that private enterprise can be a force for social good,” he said. “Through his businesses and philanthropic interventions, he has supported community growth and complemented government efforts. This is the kind of partnership Nigeria needs to strengthen at the grassroots.”

The event drew tributes from business associates and community leaders who praised Olalowo’s entrepreneurial drive and philanthropic disposition. One of the associates, Chief Alowonle, also known as Osupa Adinni from Ipokia Local Government, described the host as a dependable ally and courageous businessman.

“Chief Kilanko is a true friend and brother,” he said. “He is supportive in all he does, and I pray for greater growth in his businesses and philanthropic ways of life.”

Another associate, Agundonu Taseyon, popularly known as Iyan, wished Olalowo continued success and fulfilment in his entrepreneurial journey, noting that his investments have created opportunities for many young people.

In his remarks, Jamiu Oyedele, General Manager of IB-KILANKO Unique Concept Limited and Finar Hotel and Resort, described Olalowo as a man driven by goodwill toward others.

“He is a successful person with good desires for everyone around him,” Oyedele said. “His leadership style is people-centred, and that reflects in the growth of the organisation and the community.”

The gathering, which combined business networking with reflections on community service, underscored growing calls for structured collaboration between government and credible private foundations to accelerate youth empowerment, reduce unemployment and deepen inclusive development at the grassroots.