The Lagos State Government has empowered beneficiaries of the 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) with over three thousand and seven hundred work tools and equipment, restating commitment to social inclusion and economic empowerment.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was the Guest Of Honour at the Year 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, MESI, Programme organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at LTV8, Blue Roof, said about twenty thousand beneficiaries had received business start-up equipment through the programme this year.
Presenting the items which included Sowing and stoning Machines, two-face burner, Imported pepper grinding Machine, catering utensils, pedicure as well as raw food supports, among others, the Governor who said the aim was to enable residents to become economically self-reliant, productive and prosperous.
The Governor said the programme aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda, stressing that empowering small business owners, artisans, traders, women and young entrepreneurs is critical to strengthening the state’s economy.
Sanwo-Olu noted that every empowerment package represents an opportunity to create wealth, generate employment and ensure that no hardworking Lagosian is left behind.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Doctor Obafemi Hamzat, said them tools given to the beneficiaries was to encourage and empower them after their training urging them to register with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, LSETF to support them with funding to scale up as they grow.
Hamzat enjoined the beneficiaries to remain focused, manage the resources responsibly, and build sustainable enterprises capable of supporting their families and creating jobs for others.
Commissioner For Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia-Dada, said the state government was committed to building a society where women were empowered to achieve socio-economic wellbeing while ensuring residents had access to skills development among other benefits.
Dada said the ministry has graduated over 35,000 residents from its tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres, while nearly 19,000 beneficiaries have received start-up equipment through MESI since the inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
The Commissioner added that the ministry has also empowered thousands of residents through digital skills training, food support programmes, agricultural initiatives, grants for widows and interventions for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, all aimed at promoting inclusive development across Lagos State.
Also, the Lagos State All Progressives Congress Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture of the state government and make the best use of the items restating the commitment to make life better for the people in its bid to eradicate poverty.
Beneficiaries of the programme thanked the state government for the training and empowerments which had continued to add values to their lives and families as they experienced sustainable growth.
