Our guiding mantra is a promise for all-round sustainable human capacity development and empowerment
Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, is a distinguished Nigerian public servant, accomplished banker , and chartered accountant, currently serving as the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the 10th Nigerian National Assembly. He presently chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions. He was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries in the 9th National Assembly. He is also the Chairman, Southern Senators’ Forum. His approach to his duties and responsibilities as a Senator is built on three fundamental pillars: Legislative, Empowerment, and Endowment
.Legislative Pillar As a legislator , Senator Abiru has demonstrated a deep commitment to enacting impactful laws and policies. His legislative work is focused on promoting good governance, socio-economic development, and providing effective representation for the people of Lagos East and Nigeria at large. He has sponsored several high-impact bills and motions that address critical national issues.
His leadership in the Senate has been characterised by thoughtful deliberation, an eye for detail, and a focus on issues that directly improve the quality of life for his constituents and Nigerians as a whole.
Empowerment Pillar Senator Abiru’s empowerment drive has been pursued through the facilitation of major infrastructure and socio-economic projects. These initiatives are designed to uplift the lives of his constituents by providing them with essential services, job opportunities, and sustainable development.
Through these efforts, Senator Abiru has demonstrated a keen understanding of the importance of addressing the immediate needs of his people, while also focusing on long-term socio-economic growth.
Endowment Pillar Senator Abiru’s passion for human capital development is most evident through his Endowment initiative, anchored on the SAIL Empowerment Foundation. The Foundation, funded by his personal resources, his wife’s contributions, and the goodwill of well-wishers, focuses on uplifting underserved communities through various social interventions.
A flagship program of the SAIL Empowerment Foundation is the SAIL Innovation Lab, which focuses on empowering young people through innovation and technology. The Academy, located in Ikorodu, Lagos, offers world-class training facilities managed by the best in class faculty led by Co-Creation Hub. This initiative reflects Senator Abiru’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Career in Banking and Public Service Before his transition into public service, Senator Abiru had an illustrious corporate career spanning over 32 years, with 29 of those years spent in the banking industry. His expertise and leadership in finance are well-recognized, having served in several top Nigerian financial institutions. He was the pioneer and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank Limited, where he led the successful turnaround of the troubled Skye Bank Plc under a CBN-induced takeover , ensuring the bank’s stability and protecting the Nigerian financial system. He also served as Executive Director, Corporate Banking at First Bank of Nigeria (2002–2016) and held key roles at Guaranty Trust Bank (1991–2000). His impressive banking career also saw him serving as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of notable institutions including FBN Capital Limited (now FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited), FBN Bank Sierra Leone Limited, Airtel Mobile Networks Limited, and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS).
In addition to his private sector achievements, Senator Abiru was appointed Lagos State Commissioner of Finance (2011-2013), under the leadership of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), where he played a key role in managing the state’s finances and fostering economic growth.
Education and Professional Accolades Senator Abiru holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lagos State University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB). He is also an alumnus of both Lagos Business School (LBS) and Harvard Business School (USA), where he honed his leadership and management skills.
Political Journey After retiring from banking on August 31, 2020, Senator Abiru transitioned into public service. He contested the Lagos East Senatorial by-election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and won on December 5, 2020, with a resounding 89% of the total votes cast. His victory reflected the trust and confidence the people of Lagos East have in his leadership.
Personal Life Senator T okunbo Abiru is happily married to Mrs. Feyisola Abiru, and together they are blessed with children. His life of service, both in the private and public sectors, continues to inspire many, and his commitment to the welfare of his constituents remains unwavering.
Our #DoingGood to Greater Number mantra is the driving force behind our values.
We operate an open door which encourages free flow of information and create new opportunities for our constituents.
We work round the clock to ensure we bring people-oriented legislation, empowerment programmes & facilitations that'll raise the standard of living of our people.
We understand your concerns and fears about our communities and nation. You are not alone.
Access to our programmes are devoid of tribalism, religious sentiment, colour and party affiliations.
Wherever you live, we believe every Nigerian has the constitutional freedom to accomplish his or her dream without any encumbrances.
This runs in our DNA. We'll continue to look for unique ways and partners that would make #DoingGood a Nigerian reality!
Our commitment to the good constituents of Lagos East senatorial district is unwavering
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The Senator Abiru Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships, sponsored by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, and his wife, Mrs Feyisola Abiru, is kicking off tomorrow, Thursday 31, October, 2024, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere Lagos. The tournament is Africa's first Mixed Team Table Tennis Championships. It is organised under the auspices of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF). ![SenAbiru_TeamTennis_2.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/152d955710145a782214fc6e4ab17fd4.jpg) Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos, the co-founder of SAIL Empowerment Foundation, Senator Abiru, represented by his Media Aide, Mr. Enitan Olukotun, disclosed that the sporting event is part of the Foundation’s youth development and empowerment programme. He said, “The SAIL Empowerment Foundation,as an endowment is focused on availing our young people the enormous opportunities inherent in the 4th industrial revolution, to create employment, inspire grass-roots innovations and build partnerships and networks that drive economic prosperity for the young people, and collaboratively solve significant social and business problems. ![SenAbiru_TeamTennis_4.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/42b44560c7efca49f8ff41909b524b94.jpg) “Part of the mandate of SAIL Foundation on talent development for youth, informed the Foundation’s sponsorship of this historic mixed team table tennis tournament that will expose talented local players to the world, among other opportunities. “It is gratifying to learn that we have players from other neighboring West African countries like Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic jostling for the prize, alongside our home based Nigerian players. “I welcome the 159 players, including 84 men and 75 women who have been shortlisted for this tournament to the beautiful city of Lagos, the Centre of Excellence and Aquatic Splendour. Kindly make the most of your time here, and explore our dear Lagos, the bustling city of immense opportunities”. ![SenAbiru_TeamTennis_1.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/40d2e37065fcb478c7a0c1415cd4c2f3.jpg) Mr. Wahid Enitan Oshodi, President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF) and Executive Vice President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), emphasized the tournament’s role in discovering new talents and familiarizing players with this new tournament format in Africa. He commended Senator Abiru and his wife for supporting table tennis, through SAIL Empowerment Foundation, and encouraged other Nigerians to empower youth through sports. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), appreciated the promoters of SAIL Empowerment Foundation for their immense contributions to human capital development of youth in Lagos State. Fatodu expressed pride in Lagos hosting the first mixed team tournament in Africa, reinforcing the city’s status as a leading sports hub on the continent. The tournament, with a prize pool of N4 million, will feature 28 teams, divided into eight groups of three or four teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The finals are scheduled for Saturday, November 2, at 2 PM.
In their numbers, residents of Somolu Local Government Area, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, welcomed the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, as he officially handed over completed and fully equipped 2 blocks of 22 classrooms at the Wright Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Somolu and a 40-bed Primary Health Centre constructed inside the popular Mascara Health Centre, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA. ![WrightPrimarySchool_2.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/4501ef030915bb8fde3eb4b9d4b62482.jpg) Senator Abiru, who is widely commended for his impactful programmes and projects across Lagos East Senatorial District, was joined at the well-attended event by the Special Senior Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Her Excellency, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, whose office was instrumental to the provision of the projects. In his remarks, Senator Abiru, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the needed leadership and support which contributed to the success of the projects. He highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for early childhood education which is crucial in shaping a child's future. ![WrightPrimarySchool_1.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b5fcded82ac81e31095c788c4f88e028.jpg) He said, “The quality of education they receive at this stage significantly influences their academic success, social skills, and overall well-being. By creating a nurturing and stimulating environment here at Wright Memorial Nursery and Primary School, we are giving our children the best possible start in life”. Shortly after the commissioning exercise in Somolu LGA, the Senator and the SSA to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and members of the Senator’s team headed to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, under Kosofe LGA, to commission another landmark project, a 40-bed Primary Health Care facility, facilitated by Senator Abiru, through the office of SSA on SDGs. ![Mascara_PHC_1.jpeg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/a3bf9f700eb7a09b3f4f78c0693b4ea0.jpeg) In his speech, Senator Abiru said, “This 40-bed facility, with its modern medical equipment and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, will significantly improve the quality of care in this community, especially in providing maternal and child health services, preventive care, immunisation, among other community health needs”. Eminent leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Senator Anthony Adefuye and Omooba Samuel Olumuyiwa Sosanya; serving members of the House of Representatives, Hon Ademorin Kuye (Somolu Federal Constituency) and Hon Kafilat Ogbara (Kosofe Federal Constituency). ![WrightPrimarySchool_3.jpeg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/7b6054c766af1920c7ff6d4739c89f04.jpeg) Hon Femi Saheed, member Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon Abdulhammed Salawu, the Chairman, Somolu LGA; royal fathers, other dignitaries were also present. They all commended the exemplary leadership and excellent record of service of Senator Tokunbo Abiru.
Barely 48 hours after he announced planned construction of certain roads and schools in Ikorodu, the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA on Monday inspected the SAIL Innovation Lab and Sport Centre which is currently under construction at Orimedu, Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit_3.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/44ff4841091010a7c0bdeafb96071297.jpg) The impressive facility is being built on a sprawling 6,000 square metre prime land, along the road leading to the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ibeju-Lekki. The 350 seater capacity sport facility, consists of standard football pitch , with a basketball court and indoor games (Table tennis and Snooker), changing room facility and catering service area. The Innovation Lab section will comfortably sit 200 trainees at a time, with the complement of operational offices both at the ground and first floors. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit_4.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/4f2a2efafb3a787bb7b910c230ccc71d.jpg) Senator Abiru visited the construction site in the company of team, including the Chief Impact Consultant for the SAIL Innovation Lab, Mr Deji Abisola, Media Aide, Mr. Enitan Olukotun, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa and Lekki Local Government Development Area, LCDA Chairman, Hon Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, and some prominent community leaders in the area. In his remarks shortly after the inspection, he said, “This facility is meant to harness the creativity of our resourceful youths. There is football pitch, basketball, indoor sports like table tennis and snookers would also be available at the facility. In addition, there would also be our extension of the SAIL Innovation Lab here. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit_2.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/a82d34ff5da46a33fc2b8139fdc6de3a.jpg) “This will make our youth to align with the way the world is thinking, that is Innovation, Technology and digital skills. What we have also done is that the same faculty that is training our youth in our main centre in Ikorodu would also be training here. It will be for the overall benefit of the community”. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit_8.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/23beb98bfa45711b5950730db3a30317.jpg) The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Hon. Olowa, in his response expressed deepest gratitude for the Senator for his remarkable equitable feats across the Lagos East Senatorial District, stressing that the people of Ibeju-Lekki would be forever grateful for his thoughtfulness and exemplary leadership. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/30237ce2de1504a5e12c9bbed6098c7a.jpg) “ On behalf of the people of Ibeju-Lekki, I want to express my deepest appreciation to the distinguished Senator for bringing this innovative project to our local government. Like he rightly said, this is going to support youth development. The structures that are being put up here, are strategically designed to support youth innovation, technology and development”, Hon Olowo said. ![SenatorAbiru_SAILIbejuLekkiVisit_6.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/5b70df9da736982a4050cafa0690195d.jpg) The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2024.
As part of events lined up to mark the 50th founders’ anniversary of the popular Government College, Lagos, Surulere, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, commissioned the GCI STEM Lab equipped and managed by the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, an endowment of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and his wife, Mrs Feyisola Abiru. ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_5.jpeg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/9e9ee98e03d58055262aba744f19d667.jpeg) The Governor also commissioned other landmark projects provided by the Senator, through the intervention of the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. Senator Abiru graduated from the elite school over 40 years ago. The projects include: Complete rehabilitation 700-seater capacity auditorium, including the gallery. Twenty four toilets were also provided on the first and ground floor. Five administrative offices at the top floor and two big lecture halls at the ground floor were also totally reconstructed, including two staff rooms for teachers and two waiting areas. ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/65c5aa96f8a5610335734b51c5ca169b.jpg) ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_9.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/8be359f462fc78ab611b859105c85bbb.jpg) Senator Abiru who is also the Chairman of the 50th founder’s day lecture, while delivering his speech, commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for their contributions towards the provision of quality education. Senator Abiru assured that this is “just the beginning. Our goal is not confined to Ikorodu or Lagos East. We aim to extend these opportunities to all of Lagos and, eventually, to every corner of Nigeria, ensuring that every child has access to a world-class education that empowers them to dream, innovate, and succeed”. ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_6.jpeg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/482b6cb6e251a010e492bd79c053b9ba.jpeg) ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_12.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/44542a20bc6712d4b313e9e0c7a6bd86.jpg) He continued, “As I reminisce about this institution’s legacy, I am drawn to my own family’s journey—one that began with my father, the late Senator Hon. Justice Mubasheer Akanbi Olatunji Abiru, who was born and raised in the serene town of Ikorodu. My father’s roots in Ikorodu have been a cornerstone of our family’s heritage, and his life represents the values of ambition, determination, and service that I have strived to embody. “Ikorodu in the early 20th century was a traditional Yoruba town, focused on fishing, agriculture, and trading. My father, recognizing the transformative power of education, sought greater opportunities, which eventually led him to Lagos Island and later to Surulere, where he continued to build a legacy of excellence. His journey not only shaped him but also laid the foundation for the values and aspirations that have guided my own life. “Growing up in Lagos, I had the privilege of attending this great institution—Government College, Eric Moore, Lagos. It was here that I received the foundation for everything I have achieved, both personally and professionally. Watching my father’s dedication to education and public service deeply influenced my own path as a Lagosian committed to public service and the development of our great city. “In my time, Government College, Eric Moore, was a place where students from all walks of life came together, bound by the shared pursuit of knowledge and excellence. Our teachers, led by the late Mr. E. A. Banwo, as principal, were committed to not only teaching us but also inspiring us to reach our full potential. The facilities were well-equipped, allowing us to explore and excel academically. “However, today, we face a different reality. The separation between public and private schools has widened, with the children of elites attending private institutions far removed from the experiences of the average Nigerian child. The decline in public education has further deepened this divide, leaving many without access to the quality education that was once a given. “So, the question we must ask ourselves is: how can we restore the pride of Government College, Eric Moore, and schools like it? How do we rebuild an education system that brings students from different backgrounds together and prepares them for the future? “This is where my commitment lies. Through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation, which my wife and I founded, we’ve established the SAIL Innovation Lab in partnership with Co-Creation Hub, the foremost innovation lab in Africa. Together, we are providing a state-of-the-art innovation center that is free for graduates and students, while equipping thousands of teachers with modern teaching methodologies. This partnership brings global expertise and a future-focused approach to the heart of Lagos, ensuring that we are not just restoring, but reimagining, the public education system for the 21st century. ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_10.jpg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/7d1d3a4ed58d0d492aba32352e97e76d.jpg) ![GCL_STEM_SEnatorAbiru_4.jpeg](https://tact-space.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com/ac5ccf7a04a89c1f491fe2d5df0bf195.jpeg) “At SAIL Innovation Lab, we are building an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can come together to be prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We are creating a future where every child has access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed—just as we did. Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner of Basic Education in Lagos State, Hon. Jimoh Alli-Balogun commended Senator Abiru for his legacies in human capital development and other areas. The Global President of Government College Lagos Old Boys Association, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (Rtd), commended the gesture of Senator Abiru, and other illustrious personalities , particularly Princess (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure who contributed immensely to the development of the school . Renowned professor of intellectual property, Professor Bankole Shodipo, SAN, who is also an alumnus of GCI , delivered the keynote lecture at the well attended programme.