By The Tokunbo Abiru Ambassadors group has thrown its support behind the re-election bid of Senator Tokunbo Abiru for a second term in office as the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District.
This was contained in a statement by the group on Monday, and signed by its Coordinator, Dr Seriki Muritala and Secretary, Sen. Olafare Comfort O.
It should be recalled that Senator Abiru who was a former bank Chief Executive and Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State was sworn in following a by-election on the 15th of December 2020, after the demise of the serving Senator Bayo Osinowo of blessed memory.
The statement read, “He arrived at a pivotal juncture in the country’s history. It was a time when we were slowly emerging from a recession exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which had swept through the globe.
“During the period under review, he was able to introduce progressive thinking laws in the Senate and facilitated landmark infrastructures such as the construction of four blocks of 24 classrooms equipped with furniture and 16 toilets and a Solar-Powered Borehole in Aga area of Ikorodu, two blocks of 6 classrooms at RCM Primary School Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki, 1 block of 3 classrooms at Ajelogo Primary School in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and an ICT centre at the Igbobi Junior High School, Somolu Lagos.
“In the area of Health, the #DoingGood Senator facilitated the construction of a 40-bed Health facility and Dental Centre at the Ikorodu Campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), now known as the Lagos State University of Science and Technology and installed 200-solar-powered street lights across the institution.
“He also facilitated a 30-Bed Health facility at Mascara Health Centre in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and another 40-bed is under construction at Isiu, Ikorodu North LCDA.
“Not resting on his oars, in Epe, Senator Tokunbo Abiru won our hearts with the facilitation of a 960-spectator capacity mini-stadium equipped with Basketball and Volleyball courts. Equally, the popular Oluwo Fish Market in Epe has been remodelled to increase the number of shops from 259 to 319 comprising lock-up shops, open sheds and 48 toilets.
“Our desire to put up with him for a second term was based on our belief in his incredible scorecards, which we can attest to. We all know that making laws is a lawmaker’s principal task, Senator Abiru did not fail in this regard. To his name are 12 bills and 3 motions at different stages of legislative considerations. Amongst the bills and motions are;
Copyright Act repeal and re-enactment Bill, 2021 (read the second time)
Dishonoured Cheques Act Cap D11 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill 2021 (read the first time).
Federal High Court Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 (read the first time).
The Federal Polytechnic Epe (Establishment, etc) Bill 2021.
The Utilities Charges Commission Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The Control of Delegated Legislation (Control and Procedure) Bill, 2021.
The National Boundary Commission, Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
The National Economic Intelligence Committee (establishment, etc) Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The National Economic Reconstruction Fund Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The National Productivity Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The National Metallurgical Development Centre Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria Act (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
MOTIONS
Motion on the ban of cryptocurrency in Nigeria.
Motion on the urgent need for the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Shagamu and Ikorodu-Itoikin-Epe roads to further bridge the infrastructural gap and enhance economic growth in Nigeria.
Motion on the need to position Nigeria and Nigerian businesses for continental growth through the African continental free trade zone (Afcftz).
The group added that aside from the infrastructure, bills and motions mentioned above, Senator Abiru also facilitated the supply and installation of transformers in at least 16 communities across the District namely;
1. Ito Progressive CDA, Ito Isiu
2. Igbopa Ifesowopo CDA, Ijede
3. Ire Ifelodun CDA, Igbogbo-Bayeku
4 Magodo Community CDA Oke Ota Ona, Ikorodu
5. Ikorodu GRA 2, Ibeshe 6.Igbogbo-Bayeku
7. Ifeloju Abule Eko, Ijede Ikorodu
8. Sekungba CDA ikosi Ejirin
8. Isale Agoro CDA, Epe LGA
10. Ideraoluwa CDA, Eredo LGA
11. Olugayan CDA, Imota
The supply and installation of transformers to other communities like:
1. Idegun CDA, Imota
2. Gbaga Olorunda CDA
3. Adamo (Ikorodu North)
4. Agura Central Gberigbe ( Ikorodu North)
5. Garden Estate (Agboyi Ketu LCDA)
6. Agunbiade CDA ( Somolu)
Through the TOKUNBO ABIRU CONSTITUENCY TEAM FOUNDATION (TACT FOUNDATION), he partnered with The Fate Foundation and Chartered Standard Foundation to organize a Business Workshop/Clinic for 1000 MSMEs across the Senatorial district.
The training which attracted Executive Leadership of business-related regulatory agencies and partners like; BOI, SMEDAN, CAC, LIRS, NAFDAC and LSETF greatly enhanced the capacity of MSMEs in the district.
A knowledge pack containing seven valuable books covering areas such as Financial Management, Human Capital, Legal, Strategy, Marketing and Communication, Digital Technology, and Tax Management, authored by reputable corporations such as Deloitte, KPMG, and Verraki, among others, was given to all trainees free of charge in order to address the lack of knowledge, which is one of the major reasons why MSMEs fail.
The distinguished lawmaker went on to announce a N100 million (one hundred million naira) Constituency Intervention Revolving Loan with a very low concessional interest rate of 6% per annum, which was topped up with another N100 million from the Bank of Industry (BOI) and another N100 million from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), bringing the total to N300 million.
Still, on prioritising human capacity development, the #DoingGood Senator established the ‘Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL)’ in Lagos in collaboration with The Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB), a renowned technology and social enterprise company, to train youths in the senatorial district in relevant digital and innovation skills and to develop the best entrepreneurs that can compete in the ever-dynamic global economy.
Five (5) pilot programs have been developed to provide solutions to some highlighted difficulties, and many young people are at the moment benefiting from the project.
The programmes are as follows:
1. Lagos East Teachers’ Fellowship
2. Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education for Senior Secondary School Students
3. Business 101 for Artisans and Creatives
4. Tech Talent Development
5. Startup Accelerator for Businesses.
“The above are the visible progressive approach to governance within less than two years that has endeared us to Senator Tokunbo Abiru and we make bold to say the Lagos East will benefit more if allowed to serve again.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the party’s leaders, decision-makers, and members of the All Progressives Congress for electing the appropriate person for this position.
“Senator Tokunbo Abiru has made substantial contributions to the public good, human growth and development, and in exchange, we offer this symbol of our gratitude for your support for this Senatorial District,” the statement noted.
