Lagos: The Lagos State Government, through its Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) under the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has successfully empowered 18,963 residents, primarily women, since the program’s inception. This announcement was made by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during an event organized by WAPA in Ikeja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting small businesses through MESI. The governor highlighted the importance of various empowerment initiatives aimed at tackling poverty and promoting small business engagement. He stated, “This initiative is a practical demonstration of our THEMES Plus Agenda, which places strong emphasis on social inclusion, human development, and the protection of vulnerable citizens.”
Sanwo-Olu further elaborated on the government’s vision for Lagos, aspiring to create an environment where every resident has the opportunity to progress, irrespective of gender, age, ability, or social status. He described empowerment as a strategic pillar for building a resilient and inclusive economy, aimed at strengthening the informal sector, which he referred to as the heartbeat of Lagos. The tools and equipment distributed are intended as enablers of growth, providing ladders of opportunity and platforms for financial independence.
The governor encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the tools effectively to enhance their livelihoods and commended the leadership of WAPA for their dedication to initiatives that positively impact the lives of Lagos residents. “To our beneficiaries, today is the beginning of a new journey. The tools you receive are seeds. Plant them with discipline, nurture them with hard work, and grow them with integrity,” he advised.
Mrs. Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, highlighted the origin and objectives of MESI. She stated that MESI was created to provide practical training, startup capital, and essential tools to disadvantaged women, youths, artisans, and graduates from WAPA skill centers. Since its inception, MESI has delivered multiple editions of empowerment, working tools, and financial support to micro, small, and medium businesses aimed at alleviating poverty.
Dada reiterated that MESI is a practical expression of the social inclusion and economic empowerment pillars central to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. The third edition of MESI this year expanded its reach, offering empowerment tools to beneficiaries across Lagos State, demonstrating the government’s resolve to reduce poverty, encourage self-reliance, and support micro-enterprises at the community level.
The equipment distributed includes sewing machines, stoning machines, hairdressing kits, baking ovens, confectionery starter kits, barbing kits, sterilizers, generators, cassava processing machines, and food processing machines, among others. The commissioner expressed gratitude to Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for women’s empowerment initiatives through the ministry.
Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, assured that the house would continue to enact laws to enhance the well-being of women. Oyekan-Olumegbon emphasized MESI and other empowerment programs as initiatives prioritizing and supporting the development of women in the state.
Beneficiaries of the program expressed their appreciation for the start-up tools provided. Mrs. Ganiat Danni and Mrs. Comfort Olanipekun, who received a stoning machine and a grinding machine respectively, praised WAPA for the positive impact on their livelihoods.