Mr Biodun Coker, a prominent Lagos Island All Progressives Congress (APC) member on Saturday donated N5.25 million to over 700 members of the party in Lagos Island to invest in the Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offer (IPO).
The initiative, with the theme, “From APC Membership to Dangote Refinery Share Ownership”, provides each beneficiary with a minimum of 10 shares, along with financial literacy and investment education.
Speaking at the event, Coker, a Chartered Accountant and
former Chairmanship aspirant in 2025 Lagos council election, said
the initiative was aimed at enabling party members to benefit from economic opportunities beyond political mobilisation.
Coker said that during APC
Stakeholders’ Forum in 2025 former Governor Raji Fashola, raised an important question about our party’s reward system.
“He also asked whether we have a register of our members that tells us what they do. Those questions stayed with me.
“The ongoing Dangote Refinery public offer brought them back to mind,” he said.
Coker said that when I heard Alhaji Dangote speak about drivers and cooks becoming shareholders, he immediately thought about APC members.
“We have traders, artisans, drivers, cooks, cleaners, young people and many others at the grassroots who have given their time and remained committed to our party over the years.
“Why shouldn’t we also help them understand opportunities like this when they come
“I am not suggesting that the party should buy shares for anybody
“The Dangote offer simply got me thinking about how we can do more for our members beyond the usual reward system.
“The digital registration of our members is a good step, but I believe we can take it further,” he said.
“Empowerment should not always mean giving somebody something that will be spent today.
“Sometimes, empowerment should mean helping somebody own something that can have value tomorrow,” he said.
He said the initiative was inspired by conversations on rewarding party loyalty and giving ordinary Nigerians the opportunity to own shares in the Dangote Refinery.
The APC chieftain said that information can help them find practical ways of supporting and empowering them.
“There will always be a place for immediate support when people need it.
“But empowerment should not end with what we can give someone today or during election periods.
“We should also be thinking about the knowledge, connections and opportunities that can improve their circumstances tomorrow,” he said.
Coker commended the officials of
CFG Africa for the very insightful financial literacy and investment session they have received.
According to him, for me, that part of today’s programme is very important because it is not enough to own shares. You should understand what you own.
Coker urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the value of their investments, maintain proper records and cultivate a savings and investment culture.
Alhaji Moshood Mayegun, the Deputy Chairman of Lagos State APC said that the initiative was highly encouraging, and long-lasting programme.
“This is a long-lasting empowerment for the people of Lagos Island and our party members.
“I’m very sure that the beneficiaries of today will appreciate him more and more,” he said.
Also, speaking, Mr Suraj Alli-Balogun, Chairman of the APC in Lagos Island Local Government Area, said the programme stood out from conventional empowerment schemes, as it gave beneficiaries the opportunity to build assets with long-term value.
“Today’s programme is unique. It is different from the usual empowerment programmes we normally have because this is something permanent and futuristic.
“These beneficiaries are not just taking something home today; they are receiving something they can benefit from in the coming years and even pass on to their children,” he said.
Alli-Balogun said Coker had developed a distinctive approach to grassroots politics by focusing on initiatives that could provide lasting benefits to party members.
“He does not just give people fish; he teaches them how to fish. Coker has a unique pattern, and all of us in Lagos Island politics are proud of him,” he said.
The APC chairman expressed the hope that Coker would achieve his political aspirations, adding that his commitment to empowering people could translate into greater opportunities for constituents.
Lekan Adeleke, Director of the Biodun Coker Foundation, said the initiative was aimed at expanding economic opportunities for grassroots party members and promoting a culture of investment and financial responsibility.
“The programme would help beneficiaries move beyond political participation to asset ownership and long-term financial planning.
“This is the first of its kind, and I hope that beneficiaries will build on this,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme also included a financial literacy and investment education session facilitated by CFG Africa to equip beneficiaries with the knowledge to manage and safeguard their investments.
The event was attended by representatives and leaders of the Lagos Island constituency, including Mr Dolapo Badru, who represents Lagos Island I Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
