The lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, has unveiled 48 cooperative societies, each receiving a take-off grant of N10 million, totaling N480 million, to support women, farmers, artisans, and traders in the district. The initiative, part of one of the largest empowerment exercises in Lagos East, also included the distribution of starter kits to about 2,000 constituents and food packs to over 12,000 households.
According to a statement from his media aide, Enitan Olukotun, each cooperative received N10 million, enabling members to pool resources, access affordable capital, and expand their businesses sustainably. “True empowerment is not all about handouts. It is about enabling people to unlock their potential, create wealth, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Senator Abiru said during the event.
The empowerment items distributed included freezers, generators, grinding machines, industrial sewing machines, and head dryers, all intended to boost productivity and self-reliance among local entrepreneurs.
Abiru, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, emphasized that cooperative societies are powerful vehicles for grassroots economic inclusion, allowing members to build creditworthiness and scale their enterprises.
Traditional rulers, political leaders, and community members praised the initiative, highlighting its impact on women, youth, and local businesses. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Lagos State APC Chairman, commended Abiru for promoting innovative, people-focused programs, while Deaconess Busola Isikalu, a market leader in Ikorodu, lauded the senator for creating platforms for economic emancipation.
The initiative reflects a broader vision to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen MSMEs, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and economic growth across Lagos East.
