By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, continued his mission of philanthropy with the distribution of over 6,000 Food Packs to vulnerable members of the society in the Lagos East Senatorial District. This commendable initiative, known as the “Food Packs Programme,” is now in its second edition and aims to alleviate the hardships faced by widows, unemployed youth, the elderly, women, and people living with disabilities across the 98 wards in the 16 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development areas of the district.
Constituents enthusiastically flocked to distribution points in Ikorodu, Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Somolu, and Kosofe LGAs to collect these essential Food Packs. The packs contained an array of vital provisions, including Goldenvita, Semo Vita, Garri, Pure Soya Oil, Spread (Butter), Granulated Sugar, Pasta Couscous, Pasta Macaroni, Pasta Spaghetti, Noodles Jollof, Noodles GMPS, and Amazing Day Breakfast Cereal.
Senator Abiru, affectionately known as the ‘#DoingGood Senator,’ expressed his commitment to providing direct assistance to grassroots communities grappling with economic challenges, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidies. He emphasized that these Food Packs would be a lifeline for the most vulnerable households during this difficult period.
Furthermore, Senator Abiru assured his constituents that he remains dedicated to championing legislation, programs, and interventions that will have a lasting impact on the larger population of Lagos East. He highlighted the SAIL Innovation Lab, a pioneering initiative in Lagos East founded by him and his wife, Feyisola, which offers sustainable job opportunities and global competitiveness to the district’s young people. A significant number of youths have already benefited from training in digital and tech-related programs with global appeal.
Regarding vital infrastructure, Senator Abiru reassured the public about the commitment of the new government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the awarded rehabilitation project for the critical Ikorodu-Itokin road, a major artery linking Ikorodu to Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, and other parts of the country.
This humanitarian effort is not Senator Abiru’s first. He previously disbursed over N150 million Naira over 24 months to more than 2,500 vulnerable individuals under his COVID-19 Financial Relief Scheme, providing monthly direct credits of N5,000 each for the duration of the program. Beneficiaries, including Muftau Adegboyega Tojuowo, a person living with a disability, along with Anuoluwapo Zainab, Tiletile Kazeem Idowu, Folake Akerele, and Niyi Oyeniran, expressed their gratitude for his unwavering support.
Dignitaries present at the Ikorodu distribution venue included Dr. Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Special Adviser to the Senator on Constituency Matters, Hon (Mrs.) Adebimpe Akinsola, Alhaji Rilwan Ishola Jinadu, Alhaja Abiodun Ogunniyi, Arc Taiwo Kara, Alhaji F.O. Lasisi, Alhaji Mondiu Jimoh, and Hon Sefiu Ogunyemi, among others.