Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has officially launched 48 cooperative societies with N480 million in take-off grants, while distributing empowerment kits to 2,000 constituents and food packs to more than 12,000 households across the 98 wards in the 16 LGAs and LCDAs of the district.
The event, hailed as one of the largest constituency empowerment programs in Lagos East history, highlighted a governance model grounded in inclusion, compassion, and measurable impact.
It reflected a deliberate focus on sustainable economic support, social intervention, and people-centered leadership.
Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders, women’s groups, youth organizations, artisans, and party faithful, Senator Abiru, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, emphasized that the initiative was part of his ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful change to the largest possible number of constituents.
“Your presence today underscores our shared belief that governance must be responsive, compassionate, and focused on the real needs and aspirations of the people,” he said.
Since his election to the National Assembly, Senator Abiru noted, his leadership philosophy has remained consistent: transforming public office into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
He explained that the cooperative initiative was designed to provide flexible, accessible capital to women, farmers, artisans, and traders, enabling sustainable wealth creation and economic empowerment.
“True empowerment goes beyond handouts,” he stated. “It is about equipping people to unlock their potential, generate wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Each of the 48 cooperatives, spanning market women associations, youth groups, farmers’ unions, and artisan bodies, received N10 million, totaling N480 million.
Senator Abiru highlighted that cooperative societies are critical tools for financial inclusion, allowing members to pool resources, access funding, and expand businesses in a structured, sustainable manner.
In addition to cooperative grants, 2,000 constituents received starter kits and empowerment tools, including freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, and hair dryers.
“This distribution is intended to provide our youth, women, farmers, artisans, and traders with the tools needed for self-reliance, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods,” the Senator said.
As part of festive season support, Senator Abiru also launched the distribution of food packs to 12,000 households, a program sustained for the past three years to support the elderly, unemployed youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements under the pillars of legislation, empowerment, and endowment, the Senator pointed to bills promoting economic inclusion, financial system stability, and governance reforms, as well as investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and digital skills through the SAIL Innovation Lab.
He noted that these initiatives are in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, Senator Abiru urged beneficiaries to use the grants and tools responsibly, emphasizing that inclusive growth depends on disciplined use of resources and strong community partnerships.
HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, described the cooperative and empowerment initiatives as exceptional, expressing pride in the Senator’s achievements.
Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State APC Chairman, commended Abiru for innovative, people-focused programs that advance both governance and party ideals.
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, lauded Abiru’s progressive leadership, calling on other public officials to emulate his approach to representation.
Market leader Deaconess Busola Isikalu expressed gratitude for the economic opportunities created for artisans, market men and women, and youth, assuring that the tools and grants would be judiciously used.
Dignitaries present at the event included members of the Governance Advisory Council such as Asiwaju Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, Alhaji Shakiri Seriki, and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; traditional rulers including HRM Oba Barrister Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, and HRM Oba Richard Ogunsanya, The Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom; local government chairmen led by Hon. Sesan Abdullahi Olowa; as well as religious, political, and community leaders.
The event, characterized by both pomp and palpable optimism, underscored a new era of inclusive governance and grassroots development in Lagos East.
INN-HOUSE☆ 