In a momentous announcement on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that his administration has successfully empowered over 11,885 start-up businesses in the last four years, marking a significant milestone in the strategic focus on micro-enterprises to drive economic progress in Lagos State.
The Governor’s deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, represented him during the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) event, which was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), underscoring the commitment to fostering economic growth and poverty alleviation.
The impetus behind these empowerment programs is multifaceted, aiming not only to diminish poverty but also to amplify the wealth of Lagos residents while addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians, including those arising from subsidy removal. Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the beneficiaries of this initiative include indigent individuals, vulnerable populations, and graduates of skills acquisition centers within the state.

Highlighting the pivotal role of micro-enterprises in driving economic development, poverty reduction, and employment generation, the Governor stressed the prioritization of support for these enterprises to create more job opportunities and foster innovation for accelerated growth. He articulated, “This initiative is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to addressing the plight of the less privileged who are facing significant challenges in their daily lives. It is also a practical demonstration of our social inclusion policy geared toward ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective journey to the Greater Lagos of our dream.”
The tangible support provided under this initiative spans a diverse range of equipment, including milling machines, sewing machines, professional hair dryers, barbing clippers with sterilizing units, generators, pop-corn machines, and shawarma grills. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive toasting machines, snail pens, industrial cookers, tile-laying machines, and garri processing equipment, all aimed at aiding the realization of the economic aspirations of the most vulnerable people.
Governor Sanwo-Olu took the opportunity to commend the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) for driving the commendable efforts of his administration’s economic development and poverty eradication strategy through the MESI program. The commitment to empowering individuals and groups, supporting them in excelling in their various pursuits, was underscored by Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for WAPA.
Mrs. Dada congratulated the recipients of the support and reiterated the Lagos State Government’s unwavering stance against any form of idleness. She emphasized that the state remains dedicated to ensuring that individuals and groups are equipped with the necessary resources to excel in their chosen pursuits. The Commissioner pointed out that Governor Sanwo-Olu is resolutely implementing policies under the T.H.E.M.E.S plus agenda, an all-encompassing initiative focused on economic growth and development. This strategy builds upon the blueprints of his predecessors, aiming to construct a continually advancing Greater Lagos.
“We recognize the plight of those who are less fortunate and face significant challenges in their daily lives. It is our duty as a government to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed,” Mrs. Dada added, emphasizing the state’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all. The event served as a poignant reminder of the government’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for the realization of the economic aspirations of Lagos State’s most vulnerable populations.
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