– Beyond Power, Beyond Politics: The Abiru Standard of Leadership
– From Banking Halls to Senate Chambers: A Statesman Sculpted by Time, Tempered by Duty, Defined by Impact
The sun does not announce its rise, yet the world beholds its golden ascent. The same may be said of Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru. Today, the heavens herald the dawn of a new age for the lawmaker representing the Lagos East Senatorial District.
As he gracefully ascends the summit of his 61st year, the social space has been abuzz as the political and business class pay homage to the statesman widely regarded for his unassailable integrity and exemplary altruism in public service.
There is no gainsaying that the sands of time have ushered in yet another chapter in the illustrious life of Senator Abiru. As he clocks 61 today, time, the eternal sculptor, does not merely count his years—it weighs them by the depth of his deeds. On this count, Senator Abiru could never be found wanting. If records of his footprints are taken in the grand ledger of history, there is every likelihood that there’d be no red ink inscribed against his name.
The esteemed legislator and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions personifies a masterclass in public service. Not all who lead inspire, but Senator Tokunbo Abiru wields governance like an artist wields a brush. His canvas is Lagos East, his masterpiece is a future shaped by vision and integrity.
Born on March 25, 1964, Abiru’s journey from the bustling corridors of the banking world to the revered chambers of the Senate is a testimony to his sterling competence and dedication. With an illustrious career spanning decades, he carved his niche as a seasoned financial expert, rising to the zenith as the Managing Director/CEO of Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) and later serving as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance. It was under his stewardship that Lagos State successfully floated an N80 billion bond, a groundbreaking feat that earned the state the prestigious EMEA Finance’s Best Local Currency Bond Award in 2012.
Yet, despite the boardroom successes, Abiru’s heart has always been tethered to the pulse of the people. When the clarion call to serve came, he transitioned seamlessly into public service, winning the Lagos East Senatorial by-election in 2020 and securing re-election for a second term in 2023. His tenure in the Senate has been a masterclass in purposeful leadership, marked by pro-poor initiatives, robust legislation, and economic empowerment programs that have redefined representation in Lagos East.
Unlike the conventional politician ensnared by the trappings of power, Abiru remains a man of the people, a leader who sees beyond the podiums and policies. His philanthropic footprint is immense—his famed quarterly distribution of food packs to vulnerable households stands as a testament to his selfless service. In 2024, on his 60th birthday, rather than reveling in ostentation, he distributed over 10,000 food packs to struggling families across the 98 wards in Lagos East. It was a poignant demonstration of empathy, a rare deviation from the culture of extravagant celebrations among political elites.
As he turns 61, the echoes of that act still reverberate through the senatorial district, reinforcing his identity as a leader whose heart beats in rhythm with the struggles of his people. His social intervention programs, particularly for widows, the aged, persons with disabilities, and unemployed youths, have further endeared him to his constituents, earning him the moniker ‘The People’s Senator.’
Beyond his humanitarian gestures, Abiru’s legislative record is formidable. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, he has been instrumental in shaping policies that fortify Nigeria’s financial sector. His tenure has seen the passage of critical bills, oversight of financial reforms, and advocacy for policies that cushion economic hardship. His strategic interventions have not only strengthened the country’s financial backbone but have also ensured economic inclusivity for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos East.
Amidst the glowing tributes and eulogies, the political permutations have begun to take shape. With Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s tenure inching towards its twilight, Abiru’s name has surfaced as a frontrunner in the race for Lagos’ top seat in 2027. His towering credentials, political acumen, and the tacit endorsement of key political stakeholders position him as a formidable contender.
His trajectory is no accident—it is the culmination of years of diligence, an unwavering commitment to governance, and an unimpeachable track record. Even when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, considered him for the role of Finance Minister, it was a nod to his exceptional competence. Though the role eventually went to Wale Edun, Abiru’s stature in Nigeria’s political landscape remains indomitable.
On this day, as accolades pour in from political associates, admirers, and the people whose lives he has touched, one thing remains clear: Senator Tokunbo Abiru is a statesman whose essence transcends politics.
Rep. Jimi Benson, his counterpart in the House of Representatives, aptly captured this sentiment, describing him as ‘a trailblazer whose legacy in Lagos East is eternally enshrined in the sands of time.’ Likewise, Sen. Comfort Olafare extolled him as ‘a father figure and an exceptional leader whose wisdom and humility inspire all who cross his path.’
As the golden sun rises on his 61st year, there are hopes that his unwavering commitment to public service will continue to illuminate the path of progress for Lagos East, for Lagos State, and indeed, for Nigeria.
