By Ghazali Ibrahim 
As the Muslim faithful in Lagos East prepare for Eid-el-Kabir amid economic hardship, Senator Tokunbo Abiru has stepped in with a lifeline, distributing food packs to 12,000 vulnerable households across the senatorial district.
In a gesture that blends compassion with community service, the senator rolled out the food support initiative on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, targeting all 16 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas under his jurisdiction.
The move is part of his broader DoingGood initiative and is aimed at ensuring no family is left out of the Sallah celebrations due to hunger or financial constraints.
From Epe to Ikorodu, Somolu to Ibeju-Lekki, thousands trooped to collection centres to receive packs containing essential items such as rice and garri.
For many, the timing couldn’t be more significant. Eid-el-Kabir, which commemorates sacrifice and giving, often places added pressure on households already grappling with high food prices and inflation.
Senator Abiru’s intervention, therefore, comes not just as political outreach but as a genuine buffer in a time of economic uncertainty.
“This isn’t just about handing out food,” Senator Abiru explained during the distribution at his Ikorodu office.
“It’s about restoring dignity and giving our people the ability to celebrate, even when times are tough.”
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, said the effort was designed to supplement state and federal relief measures, calling on all levels of government and elected officials to work collectively to ease the burden on citizens.
“This is a season of faith, reflection, and unity. Our people deserve to feel seen and supported, not just in words but in practical terms,” he said.
Notably, the initiative also prioritized vulnerable groups including the elderly, women, people living with disabilities, and unemployed youth. Many of them described the senator’s action as a “lifesaver,” especially at a time when the cost of basic food items continues to rise.
Political leaders and stakeholders in the district, including former deputy governor and APC chieftain Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, commended Abiru for consistently putting the needs of his constituents first.
Senator Abiru’s track record in Lagos East includes youth empowerment programmes, education support, small business grants, and digital skills training.
But as this latest initiative shows, his understanding of governance goes beyond policy, it’s about meeting people where they are, especially in times of need.
