By Enitan Olukotun

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions in the 10th Senate and Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, is a man of extraordinary passion for the development of his people. His pursuit of excellence has driven him to a point where nothing but the best is good enough for him. 

Before his sojourn at the Red Chamber, Tokunbo Abiru had carved out a stellar career in banking, ascending to the pinnacle of his career as the Managing Director of Polaris Bank. He retired in 2020 after lifting Polaris Bank from the verge of bankruptcy to enviable heights.

In just a little under four years, Senator Abiru has revolutionised the governance narrative in Lagos East Senatorial District. His leadership style is characterised by a deliberate championing of impactful programmes that seek to uplift the welfare of his people by way of direct interventions and constituency services.

Famously referred to as the “Doing Good Senator,” Senator Abiru centred his efforts on three key pillars: legislative responsibilities, empowerment initiatives, and endowment projects.

He has executed these pillars with exceptional results, thereby earning the trust and admiration of his constituents and Nigerians at large.

After his inauguration as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on December 15, 2020, Abiru conducted an extensive needs assessment of the people and his district. This comprehensive human-centred approach ensured that the relevant needs of the grassroots population became an integral part of the decision-making process within Lagos East Senatorial district.

The insights gleaned from this assessment formed the bedrock of his interventions across 98 wards in the 16 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas within Lagos East Senatorial district.

On the legislative pillar, Senator Abiru has championed notable bills, including the Copyright Bill, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Franchise Regulation Bill, CBN Act Amendment Bill (passed second reading), and the NDIC Act Amendment Bill (passed second reading), including several motions relating to the plight of his constituents. 

These legislative endeavours are poised to unlock greater economic opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly within the creative, entertainment, and business sectors.

In response to the devastating socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Abiru launched a targeted financial assistance scheme. This initiative provided direct relief to vulnerable segments of the Lagos East community, including widows, elderly, unemployed youth, persons with disabilities, and women, with over 2,500 beneficiaries receiving monthly credit transfers for over 23 months. 

In continuation of his support for vulnerable constituents, the Senator launched a quarterly food pack programme for vulnerable people; over 25,000 households have since benefited from the scheme. 

To enhance accessibility to constituency services, Senator Abiru established liaison offices in Epe, Kosofe, Ibeju-Lekki, and Somolu, complementing the main office in Ikorodu.

To enhance the educational pursuits of his constituents, Senator Abiru made significant contributions ranging from facilitation of classroom construction to modernization of instructional facilities and provision of bursaries for indigent students. 

The development of infrastructure has also been a focal point of Senator Abiru’s agenda; his contribution in this area has been far-reaching and impactful. He successfully facilitated the construction of health facilities, sporting arenas, market renovation, and road construction. Examples of such include the 32 km Ikorodu-Itoikin road currently under reconstruction. Senator Abiru also facilitated the installation of power transformers and solar-powered street lights in many communities across the senatorial district. 

Senator Abiru also launched a 300 million-naira constituency intervention revolving loan scheme to enhance local businesses. Quite a lot of small business owners benefited from the loans advanced at a concessional interest rate of six per cent. 

In conjunction with his amiable wife, Mrs. Surat Feyisola Abiru, the ‘doing good’ Senator established the SAIL Innovation Lab in Ikorodu to equip the youths with information technology skills to help them navigate the ever-changing technological environment. Hundreds of young people have taken advantage of this training to better their lives. About 106 youths trained at the SAIL laboratory were able to secure decent jobs in artificial intelligence with Awari AI last year. 

Senator Abiru is a perfect example of how political leaders can impact their environment. Little wonder he’s been able to earn the trust and admiration of his people in so short a time; his commitment, passion, forthrightness, and purposeful leadership skills have ensured him a place in the sun. 

As Senator Abiru hits a significant milestone today, I dare say the diamond looks good on him. May he find hope in every challenge and pride in every accomplishment, and may every step he takes into the future engender fulfilment. 

Enitan Olukotun, media aide to Senator Abiru, writes from Lagos.