Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has 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 98 wards in the 16 LGAs and LCDAs of the district. The event was described as one of the largest constituency empowerment programs in the history of Lagos East, reflecting a model of governance rooted in inclusion, compassion, and measurable impact. It showcased efforts aimed at sustainable economic support, social intervention, and leadership that places people at the center.
Speaking to traditional rulers, political leaders, women’s groups, youth organisations, artisans, and party faithful, the Senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, said the initiative was part of his ongoing commitment to achieve real change for as many constituents as possible. “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 stated. He explained that since his election to the National Assembly, his leadership style has remained focused on converting public office into benefits for ordinary citizens.
The Senator noted that the cooperative initiative was structured to provide flexible and accessible capital to women, farmers, artisans, and traders, enabling wealth creation and economic empowerment. He added that “True empowerment goes beyond handouts. It is about equipping people to unlock their potential, generate wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development.” The announcement detailed that each of the 48 cooperatives, covering market associations, youth groups, farmer unions, and artisan bodies, received N10 million, totalling N480 million.
Senator Abiru emphasized that cooperatives are vital tools for financial inclusion because they enable members to pool resources, access financing, and expand their ventures in safe and sustainable ways. Beyond the grants, 2,000 constituents received empowerment tools such as freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, and hair dryers. According to him, “This distribution is intended to provide our youth, women, farmers, artisans, and traders with the tools needed for self-reliance, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods.”
As part of his seasonal intervention programme, food packs were also delivered to 12,000 households. He noted that this support initiative had been sustained for three years to assist the elderly, unemployed youth, women, and persons with disabilities, especially during festive periods. Senator Abiru also reviewed his wider achievements under the pillars of legislation, empowerment, and endowment, listing bills that promote financial stability, governance reforms, and economic inclusion, alongside investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and digital technology training through the SAIL Innovation Lab.
He remarked that the initiatives align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that federal policies encouraging inclusion and innovation have helped support his district interventions. Reaffirming his commitment to representation, Abiru advised beneficiaries to make responsible use of the grants and tools, adding that growth will only be sustained through accountability, discipline, and strong community partnerships.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, praised the initiative as exceptional, saying he was proud of the Senator’s achievements. Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, also commended Abiru for programmes that advance both governance and party ideals. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, applauded the Senator’s progressive leadership and encouraged other public officials to adopt his approach to representation.
Market leader Deaconess Busola Isikalu expressed appreciation for the economic opportunities created for traders, artisans and youth, promising that the grants and tools would be used responsibly to improve livelihoods. Dignitaries at the event included Governance Advisory Council members Asiwaju Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, Alhaji Shakiri Seriki, and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe. Traditional rulers present included HRM Oba Barrister Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, and HRM Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe Kingdom. Others were local government chairmen led by Hon. Sesan Abdullahi Olowa alongside political, religious, and community leaders.
The ceremony, filled with celebration and optimism, highlighted an emerging era of inclusive governance and grassroots development in Lagos East as Senator Abiru reiterated his pledge to continue policies designed to uplift constituents and expand opportunities across the district.
