Tokunbo Abiru (Sen.)

About Tokunbo Abiru (Sen.)

Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo "Tokunbo" Abiru, FCA is a Nigerian banker, chartered accountant, and politician who represents Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since his election in December 2020, he has focused on economic legislation, financial sector reforms, youth empowerment, education, and constituency development.

Early Life and Education

Born on 25 March 1964 in Lagos State, Tokunbo Abiru hails from Ikorodu. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Lagos State University (LASU) and further attended executive programmes at Lagos Business School and Harvard Business School. 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 (CIBN).

Professional Career

Before entering elective politics, Abiru built a distinguished banking career spanning over three decades. He worked with Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, and later became the Group Managing Director/CEO of Skye Bank, where he led the institution's restructuring before its transition to Polaris Bank, serving as its pioneer Managing Director/CEO.

Public Service

From 2011 to 2013, Abiru served as Commissioner for Finance, Lagos State under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. During this period, Lagos strengthened its financial management systems and successfully accessed the capital market through major bond issuances that financed infrastructure development.

Political Career

Following the death of Senator Bayo Osinowo in 2020, Tokunbo Abiru emerged as the APC candidate and won the Lagos East Senatorial by-election, becoming the Senator representing Lagos East. He was subsequently re-elected to serve in the 10th National Assembly. He currently chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions and also serves as Chairman of the Southern Senators' Forum.

Legislative Focus

As Senator, Abiru has concentrated on:

1. Strengthening Nigeria's banking and financial systems.
2. Supporting economic growth through financial sector reforms.
3. Promoting youth employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
4. Expanding access to quality education and skills development.
5. Advocating infrastructure development across Lagos East.
6. Supporting policies aimed at improving the business environment and economic stability.

Constituency Development

A key feature of Senator Abiru's representation has been his emphasis on constituency projects and human capital development. Through the SAIL (Senator Abiru Innovation Lab) initiative and related programmes, thousands of young people have received training in:

1. Software development
2. Data science
3. Digital skills
4. Entrepreneurship
5. STEM education
6. Business support

He has also facilitated:

1. Educational bursaries and scholarships.
2. Medical outreach programmes.
3. Skills acquisition and vocational training.
4. Support for small businesses.
5. Community infrastructure projects across the 16 local government and local council development areas in Lagos East.

Leadership Style

Tokunbo Abiru is widely recognized for applying his banking and financial management experience to public service. His political philosophy emphasizes:

1. Fiscal discipline.
2. Accountability and transparency.
3. Economic development.
4. Investment in education and technology.
5. Inclusive constituency representation.

His public engagement is frequently associated with the slogan "Doing Good," reflecting his focus on sustainable social and economic development in Lagos East.

Summary

Senator Tokunbo Abiru's transition from a successful banking executive to public office has been defined by a focus on economic management, legislative effectiveness, and constituency empowerment. His experience in finance, public administration, and lawmaking has positioned him as one of the prominent political figures representing Lagos East in Nigeria's National Assembly.