By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, graced the graduation ceremony of 72 secondary school students from the Ikorodu division. The students celebrated their successful completion of the IT Launchpad Cohort 1 program, an initiative organized by the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG) in partnership with ZKT West Africa.
In an inspirational address, Senator Abiru encouraged the graduates to pursue excellence in their academic journey and every facet of life. He emphasized that success requires diligence, resilience, and competitiveness, urging them to strive for greatness.
A notable figure in innovation, Senator Abiru co-founded the SAIL Innovation Lab, the first-of-its-kind hub in the Lagos East Senatorial District. As a gesture of support and encouragement, he extended an opportunity to the top three exceptional students to join the STEM training program at the SAIL Innovation Lab.
Senator Abiru also announced rewards for the top achievers: the first-place student would receive free internet for a year, the runner-up would enjoy free internet for six months, and the third-place student would have free internet for three months. Furthermore, all graduating students would receive notifications about program applications at the SAIL Innovation Lab.
Distinguished Senator Adeseye Kingsley Ogunlewe, the Chairman of IDRDG, praised Senator Abiru for his remarkable representation and contributions to the growth of Ikorodu division and surrounding LGAs. The virtual presence of Mr. Afolabi Abiodun, CEO of ZKT West Africa, was acknowledged as he highlighted the impact of Senator Abiru’s commitment to empowering young individuals in the fourth industrial age.
Mr. Abiodun, a US-based Ikorodu indigene, underscored the importance of such training programs. Drawing from his own experience, he shared how a similar opportunity paved the way for his global accomplishments, including a fellowship at Stanford University.
Professor Ajibola Saheed, Centre Director of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Ikorodu Model Study Centre, extended gratitude to IDRDG, ZKT West Africa, and Senator Abiru for their unwavering support for students and young talents in the community.
Professor Michael O. Ajetunmobi, a distinguished retired Professor of Mathematics and Vice-Chairman of IDRDG, expressed his appreciation to Senator Abiru for his presence and pledged support, a gesture that will undoubtedly shape the futures of many.
The event also saw the presence of other prominent figures, including Dr. Abidoun Fatai-Abatan, Mr. Deji Abisola (Consultant to Senator Abiru on SAIL Innovation Lab), Mr. Yusuf Jubril (Managing Director, ZKT West Africa), and Mr. Abiodun Kazeem (Managing Director, SB Telecoms and Devices).