Abiru launches 48 cooperatives, empowers 2,000 residents, supports 12,000 households in Lagos East
By Emmanuel Daniji
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 over 12,000 households across the 98 wards in the district’s 16 LGAs and LCDAs.
The initiative, hailed as one of the largest constituency empowerment programs in Lagos East history, showcased a governance approach grounded in inclusion, compassion, and measurable community impact. It reflects a deliberate focus on sustainable economic support, social intervention, and people-centered leadership.
Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, artisans, and party faithful, Senator Abiru—chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions—emphasized that the initiative was part of his ongoing commitment to delivering tangible change for 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.
Senator Abiru explained that the cooperative initiative provides flexible, accessible capital to women, farmers, artisans, and traders, enabling sustainable wealth creation and economic empowerment. “True empowerment goes beyond handouts. It is about equipping people to unlock their potential, generate wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he added.
Each of the 48 cooperatives—including market women associations, youth groups, farmers’ unions, and artisan bodies—received N10 million, totaling N480 million. The Senator highlighted that cooperative societies are essential tools for financial inclusion, allowing members to pool resources, access funding, and expand businesses sustainably.
In addition to cooperative grants, 2,000 constituents received starter kits and empowerment tools such as freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, and hair dryers.
As part of festive season support, Senator Abiru also launched the distribution of food packs to 12,000 households, a program maintained over the past three years to assist 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, alongside investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and digital skills through the SAIL Innovation Lab. He noted that these initiatives align 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, while former Deputy Governor Prince Abiodun Ogunleye lauded his progressive leadership, calling on other public officials to emulate his approach. Market leader Deaconess Busola Isikalu also praised the economic opportunities created for artisans, market men and women, and youths, assuring that the tools and grants would be effectively used.
Dignitaries present included members of the Governance Advisory Council—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, marked by both pomp and optimism, underscored a new era of inclusive governance and grassroots development in Lagos East.
