- enables over 2000 beneficiaries
By Olanrewaju Adesanya
Over 2,000 indigents and financially handicapped individuals got a financial leap courtesy, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, as he formally launched the COVID-19 Relief Financial Assistance in his Senatorial District.
The launch which took place on Thursday, at the Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team (TACT) office in Ikorodu attracted the Governor’s Advisor (GAC) members, party leaders, religious leaders in the district, council chairmen and beneficiaries of the support scheme.
Over 2000 indigent residents in the senatorial district including Youth, Unemployed Youth, Women, Physically Challenged Persons have benefitted from the support scheme.
“I have the honour of informing you that over 2,000 of vulnerable people in 98 wards across 16 local government areas in the Senatorial district have benefited from the N5,000 (Five Thousand Naira) support scheme since January.
“The beneficiaries who are scheduled into two categories are getting the assistance bimonthly (i.e once in two months), and it will run through the year 2021 by way of direct credit to their bank accounts.
“Having successfully piloted two (2) streams of payments to beneficiaries under the scheme, we deemed it fit to formally launch the scheme as the third stream of payment for the month of March will be paid today”, the Senator said while delivering his address to the admiration of hundreds of Lagos East residents and party leaders in attendance.
The Senator also disclosed the plan to support market women in the district with credit facilities to boost their trade.
His words, “ Let me also reiterate that this intervention is one in the series of lined up interventions that are targeted at critical demography in our Senatorial district. The Traders Assistance Scheme for market women is almost ready. Scholarship and bursary award for qualified students in Higher Institutions of learning is another.
“In addition, let me also inform you that through doggedness and proactiveness, we were able to facilitate a N30,000 Federal Government Survival Fund for 370 transporters and artisans in our district.
“The first tranche was paid about two weeks ago and they have two more tranches to receive. Other interventions we are vigorously pursuing include; Guaranteed Take – Off grant, CAC Business Formalization for MSME”.
Abiru also informed Lagos East residents that additional four liaison offices are now operational in Ibeju/Lekki, Epe, Somolu and Kosofe to provide administrative support to Ikorodu main constituency.
He said liaison offices creation was done in fulfilment of his promise to the people during the electioneering to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
Dr. Saheed O. Ibikunle, a member of TACT (Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team) in his welcome address said Senator Abiru was keen on helping the downtrodden in the society. He said he was always thinking about programmes that will improve living conditions of vulnerable people.
Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) members and party leaders in attendance commended the gesture of the Senator. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos, His Excellency, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye and Chief Rueben Olorunfunmi Basorun said Abiru is a compassionate leader and well capable for the assignment he has been saddled with.
Alhaji Shakiru Seriki Bamu, former Senator Anthony Adefuye, Omoba Olumuyiwa Sosanya, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Chief Bode Oyedele and other respected leaders in Lagos East Senatorial district all commended the performance of Senator Abiru.
Also, the Lagos APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, represented by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Seye Oladejo, said that Abiru had been able to represent his constituency at the upper chamber diligently.
Balogun said that Abiru had shown that he was capable of giving back to his constituency at the appropriate time and at the point of need.
He enjoined beneficiaries to make the best use of whatever they were given and keep faith with the party while they remained law abiding and peaceful citizens.
A beneficiary, Mr Olugbade Mufutau, 73, expressed joy and appreciated the kind gesture of Abiru in trying to reach out to the aged and other vulnerable in the society.
Ms Bosede Oladapo, a Person Living With Disability, thanked Abiru for including PLWD in the scheme, urging him to do more for them in terms of provision of jobs.
Other leaders in attendance include; Hon Jimi Benson, Member, House of Representatives, Ikorodu Constituency, Hon Ademorin Kuye (Somolu Federal Constituency),he was was represented by Alhaji Ola Sheu, Hon Olusegun Olulade, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, Hon Sesan Diani, Hon. David Kolade Alabi among others.
Religious leaders include Evangelist Dr. Emmanuel A. Adegoke, CAN Chairman, Ikorodu Central, Chief Imam Osuala and the leagues of Imams.