By Olasunkanmi Akoni

IKORODU — Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East, has formally inaugurated 48 cooperative societies with take-off grants totaling N480 million for traders, artisans, and farmers, while also distributing empowerment items to 2,000 constituents and food packs to over 12,000 vulnerable households.

The event, held Monday at the Senatorial Constituency Office on Benson Road, Ikorodu, marked one of the largest grassroots empowerment exercises in the district’s history. It covered all 98 wards across the 16 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos East.

Abiru, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, explained that the initiative is part of his commitment to promoting economic inclusion, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods for constituents. “True empowerment is not all about handouts. It is about enabling people to unlock their potential, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Each of the 48 cooperative societies received N10 million, totaling N480 million. The societies comprise market women associations, youth organisations, farmers’ groups, artisans, and trade bodies, with the grants designed to provide flexible, affordable capital to expand their businesses.

In addition, Abiru distributed starter kits and empowerment items, including freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, and hair dryers, to approximately 2,000 beneficiaries. Over 12,000 households also received food packs ahead of the festive season, continuing a three-year tradition of supporting vulnerable residents.

“This programme is deliberately designed to empower our youths, women, artisans, farmers, traders, and other hardworking constituents with relevant tools, starter kits, and institutional support that promote self-reliance, productivity, and sustainable livelihoods,” the senator said.

Abiru highlighted his achievements under three pillars—legislation, empowerment, and endowment—citing his efforts in economic inclusion, financial system stability, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and digital skills through initiatives like the SAIL Innovation Lab. He emphasized that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, translating national priorities into tangible grassroots outcomes.

Traditional rulers, political leaders, and party officials praised the senator’s initiative. The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, described the programme as “remarkable,” while the APC State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Abiru for promoting the party’s philosophy and strengthening grassroots participation.

Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, former deputy governor and APC leader in Ikorodu, encouraged other elected officials to emulate Abiru’s innovative approach to representation. Market leaders, including Deaconess Busola Isikalu, pledged to make judicious use of the grants and empowerment tools.

The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including members of the Governance Advisory Council, traditional rulers from across the district, local government chairmen, religious leaders, and political and community leaders.

The empowerment initiative reflects a people-focused approach to governance, with an emphasis on sustainable economic growth, social intervention, and community development across Lagos East.