Tokunbo Abiru empowers 48 cooperatives with N480m start-up grant in Lagos

Tokunbo Abiru, senator representing Lagos east, has launched 48 cooperative societies in his senatorial district with a start-up grant of N480 million.

The 48 cooperatives were drawn from three key sectors — market women associations, farmers’ groups, and artisans across the 16 LGAs/LCDAs in the district.

Speaking on Monday at the unveiling ceremony attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, party members, and community groups, Abiru said the initiative marked a continuation of his commitment to delivering “greater good to a larger number” of constituents across Lagos east.

“Beyond the ceremonial, your presence here affirms our shared belief that governance must be responsive, compassionate and firmly rooted in meeting the genuine needs and aspirations of the people,” he said.

He said his leadership philosophy since arriving at the national assembly has been centred on translating public office into measurable value, noting that the cooperatives were created to provide easy, flexible and affordable capital for women, farmers, artisans and traders.

“True empowerment is not all about handouts,” Abiru said.

“It is about enabling people to unlock their potential, create wealth and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The lawmaker, who chairs the senate committee on banking, insurance and other financial institutions, said cooperative societies remain critical vehicles for grassroots economic inclusion, helping members pool resources, access financing, build creditworthiness and scale their enterprises.

2,000 RECIEVES EMPOWERMENT ITEMS, 12,000 HOUSEHOLDS GET FOOD PACKS

Beyond the cooperative grants, the senator distributed empowerment items and starter kits to about 2,000 constituents. The items include freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines and hair dryers.

He said the intervention was designed to promote self-reliance, productivity and sustainable livelihoods for youths, women, artisans, farmers and traders in the district.

Abiru also flagged off the distribution of food packs to 12,000 households to support families during the Christmas and New Year season.

This, the senator said, is an annual programme that he has sustained for the past three years for the elderly, unemployed youths, women and persons living with disabilities.

Abiru also highlighted his achievements under what he described as three pillars: legislation, empowerment and endowment.

The lawmaker noted that he has sponsored bills and moved motions on economic inclusion, financial system stability and governance.

Abiru added that his contribution spans across investments in education, healthcare, road infrastructure and digital skills through the SAIL Innovation Lab.

He said the programmes align with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda by translating national priorities into tangible outcomes at the grassroots.

The senator urged beneficiaries to use the grants and tools responsibly, saying inclusive growth depends on disciplined use of public support and sustained community partnership.