By Fatima Saka
Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has been commended for investing in the future of young Nigerians through the SAIL Empowerment Foundation.
The commendation came from Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank, during a visit to the SAIL innovation lab in Ikorodu, Lagos, where he inspected the facility and interacted with beneficiaries of its programmes.
Adeola described the initiative established by Abiru and his wife, Feyisola, as a “worthy legacy” built on service, selflessness and commitment to humanity.
He said the decision by the couple to commit their resources to empowering people beyond their immediate family demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of leaving a lasting impact on society.
“Whenever we decide to commit to causes bigger than ourselves, we are building a legacy. What you are doing is for children whose parents you may not even know. For society to survive, we must care for others, particularly the less privileged,” Adeola said.
The banker urged beneficiaries of the SAIL innovation lab to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the facility, noting that residents of the community were fortunate to have such an initiative in their midst.
Adeola also drew parallels between the SAIL Foundation and his own philanthropic journey, recalling that he founded the FATE Foundation in 2000 to support aspiring entrepreneurs and promote enterprise development.
He described philanthropy as a noble ecosystem whose impact may not always receive the glamour associated with conventional pursuits but could leave enduring benefits for society.
Speaking to the young beneficiaries, Adeola recounted his humble beginnings, including how his mother made him hawk goods on the streets at the age of nine.
He said the experience helped shape his understanding of resilience, perseverance and determination, urging the beneficiaries not to surrender to adversity but to identify their talents and develop their abilities.
In his remarks, Abiru described Adeola as his boss, mentor and a major influence on his professional and public service journey.
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The senator recalled that he began his banking career at Guaranty Trust Bank under Adeola’s tutelage, spending 10 years at the institution and gaining lessons that have continued to influence his approach to leadership and service.
The SAIL Foundation’s innovation-focused programmes are aimed at providing young Nigerians with opportunities to develop relevant skills, discover their talents and build pathways towards economic empowerment.
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