Albert Einstein said and I quote: “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
Many questions to which answers cannot be easily got are always in people’s minds when faced with ugly behaviours that are gradually becoming a trend in a society which has produced a lot of eminent persons. My Division, your Division, our Division, Ikorodu would have enjoyed more development than its present state if we had all been honest enough to shun unhealthy rivalry and embrace unity of purpose.
How else do we explain the ugly scenario that played out on 28th May, 2022, at the Ikorudu East Senatorial District.
Primary Election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), an election which was supposed to be the most peaceful due to its singularity of candidature, almost gone awry. How do we explain the imbroglio that fell in like a bolt from the blue on the calmness that enveloped the atmosphere of the election venue that fateful morning other than the exhibition of uncontained hatred for good things and lack of love for one’s community?
It might suffice here to be reminded of the great and unrivalled achievements of the distinguished Senator in order to see whether he deserves to be retained or discarded.
Sterling Achievements of Distinguished Senator Tokunbo Abiru in 16 Months:
1. The Ikorodu/Sagamu Road, the efforts made through legislative interventions led to the virement of the funding of the road to Sukuk Financing Scheme that has yielded desired results.
From Eyita (around Sabo), down to First gate (LASPOTECH), Odogunyan, Ita-Oluwo, Ogijo, Gbaga, Likosi, the work is approaching Sotubo. As at last Saturday, the work has reached Niger Biscuit area.
2. Four blocks of 24 classrooms equipped with complements of furniture and 16 toilets and Solar-Powered Borehole at Aga Primary School, Ikorodu.
3. Two blocks of 6 classrooms at RCM Primary School Iwerekun, Ibeju-Lekki.
4. 1 block of 3 classrooms at Ajelogo Primary School, Agboyi-Ketu.
5. Two blocks of classrooms were facilitated at Isheri Primary School, Ikosi- Isheri LCDA.
6. ICT Centre at the Igbobi Junior High School, Somolu Lagos.
7. Six hundred (600) brilliant but indigent students across Lagos East Senatorial District got bursary.
8. Over 2,500 vulnerable people getting cash support every month under COVID19 Relief Support Scheme.
9. Financial assistance to hundreds of constituents through liaising offices at Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Somolu , Kosofe and here in Ikorodu.
10. Facilitated the construction of a 40-bed Health facility and Dental Centre at the Ikorodu Campus of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH).
11. Facilitated 200-solar-powered street lights at LASPOTECH.
12. Facilitated 30-Bed Health facility at Mascara Health Centre in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.
13. Facilitated a 40-bed hospital at Isiu, Ikorodu North LCDA. It is nearing completion.
14. Facilitated a 960-spectator capacity mini stadium with a two-pavilion sports facility, Basketball and Volleyball courts, at Epe.
15. Facilitated the reconstruction of the popular Oluwo Fish Market in Epe. The numbers of shops were increased from 259 to 319 comprising Lock-up shops, open sheds and 48 toilets.
16. Facilitated supply and installation of transformers to 16 communities in the Senatorial Districts.
17. In partnership with The Fate Foundation and Chartered Standard Foundation, organized a Business Capacity Workshop/Clinic/ for 1000 MSMEs across the Senatorial District.
18. Set up Community Innovation Space known as Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) in partnership with a renowned Technology and Social Enterprise company, The Co-creation Hub (Cc-HUB), Lagos, to train youths in the Senatorial District on relevant digital and innovation skills, and build the best entrepreneurs that can compete in the ever-dynamic global economy (Tech Talent Development, STEM, Business 101, Lagos East Teachers Fellowship, Start-up Accelerator).
19. Above all, the Senator has not relented in discharging his legislative duties at the National Assembly- He has initiated among others:
20. He has sponsored many Bills and Motions on germane issues affecting the country’s socio – economic and political lives.
21. Presented petitions from concerned constituents, as their representstive and attracted opportunities to our people amongst others.
22. Gifts to hundreds of people across the Lagos East Senatorial District during festivities.
23. 150,000 Nose masks donated to Pry Schools through LASUBEB.
22. Direct Business Grants to Constituents into Small and Medium Entreprises.
The above achievements in just sixteen months is an unequivocal fact that Senator Abiru is a trail blazer who deserve to be loved, encouraged and welcomed to do more. Honestly, our division needs more of him.
I will conclude by saying that since the only permanent thing in life is change, there is still room for change. It is, therefore, high time we come together as a division to have a rethink and refuse to be misled by some misguided cliques who are beating the drum of discord and division within the APC.
Together, we can make this happen!
