Senator Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule of Lagos West Senatorial District has distributed ₦200 million in cash grants to 2,000 constituents to strengthen grassroots businesses and drive economic empowerment across the district.
Adebule announced the disbursement on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during the second edition of the Lagos West Women’s Assembly and Cash Empowerment Programme held at the LTV Blue Roof Pavilion in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event, themed “From Voice to Action: Empowering Women for Impact,” gathered women from across Lagos West, political leaders, community stakeholders and other guests. The senator described it as a platform to celebrate women building families and communities through micro and small businesses.
According to Adebule, the empowerment initiatives since she secured the Senate ticket in 2023 are a way of appreciating the support, prayers and confidence of Lagos West residents. She said her mandate covers quality legislation, effective representation and oversight, impactful constituency projects, and people-centred empowerment.
Legislative and constituency scorecard
Giving an account of her work in the Senate, Adebule said she has sponsored 12 bills and co-sponsored six more, bringing the total to 18.
The bills address education, child protection, justice system reforms, anti-corruption, land administration and good governance. She also moved motions of national importance, including one on the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“However, legislation alone does not define effective representation. The true measure of representation is the positive impact felt by the people,” she said.
On constituency projects, she reported interventions across the 28 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos West. A key project she highlighted is the installation of solar-powered streetlights in all 28 LGAs and LCDAs, aimed at improving nightlife, neighbourhood security and economic activity.
YAYI donates ₦100m
Adebule disclosed that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who represents Ogun West, contributed ₦100 million to the cash empowerment.
She recalled that during her January 2026 mega empowerment programme, Adeola had promised items including small buses. Instead, he fulfilled the pledge with a ₦100 million cash donation, which formed part of the ₦200 million now being shared.
She thanked Adeola, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, First Lady Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan, and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro for their support.
She also acknowledged APC Lagos State Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairmen of the 28 LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos West, party leaders, and members of the Governance Advisory Council.
Endorsement and commendations
Adebule described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as her political father and mentor, and praised his leadership and courage in implementing reforms to reposition the country. She urged Nigerians to back him for another term.
“I want to therefore urge all Nigerians of goodwill to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu total support and re-elect him as President and Commander-in-Chief for a second term, to continue the good work he is doing for a brighter rewarding future for Nigeria,” she said.
She also described First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a “dependable pillar of support” and a role model for assisting vulnerable and less privileged Nigerians. Adebule said the programme reflects her commitment to supporting constituents since assuming office in 2023.
Leaders praise empowerment drive
Several leaders and women advocates lauded the initiative. Adebayo Olasoju, Chairman of Isolo LCDA and Director General of Adebule’s Campaign Organisation, called the senator synonymous with empowerment and noted that more than a thousand people would benefit. He urged recipients to use the funds wisely.
Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, commended Adebule for prioritising women’s economic empowerment, saying a stronger economy follows when women thrive.
“As a sister and mother privileged to serve the public, Nigeria will be better when we move from voice to action, empowering women to make an impact. Today, what happens after we speak is what truly matters,” Tallen said.
She advised beneficiaries to invest rather than consume the cash, adding that “a woman selling food is an entrepreneur, an investor and an employer.” Tallen also encouraged mothers to guide their daughters toward science and technology, and praised Lagos for leading in female political participation.
APC Lagos Chairman Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi focused on accountability and grassroots mobilisation. He expressed pride in Adebule for keeping her promises and said the programme aligns with the party’s development agenda. With elections approaching, he urged constituents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively.
Raffle and beneficiary reaction
The event also featured a raffle draw where participants won items including deep freezers and a commercial minibus, popularly called “Korope.”
One winner, Folashade Oladimeji from Ayobo-Ipaja, said she attended last year’s programme without winning anything.
“I feel elated and happy. I was here last year, but I wasn’t able to win anything. Today, I am one of the lucky winners. I am grateful to our Senator for the empowerment she organises every year for women in Lagos West Senatorial District.”
