Ikeja: Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) reflects his administration’s commitment to empowering Lagos residents and expanding economic opportunities. The governor made the assertion at the MESI programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) on Tuesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the MESI is a grassroots economic empowerment programme by WAPA, providing indigent residents with start-up capital, working tools, and equipment to foster self-reliance across the state’s five divisions. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that no fewer than 3,800 beneficiaries would be empowered, reflecting the government’s resolve to improve lives and expand opportunities through sustainable economic empowerment.
The governor emphasized that his administration had over seven years delivered practical results through the THEMES+ Agenda, ensuring development reached urban, rural, and riverine communities. THEMES stands for: Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st-century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance.
He stressed that empowering small businesses, artisans, traders, women entrepreneurs, and youths remains central to building a resilient and prosperous Lagos economy. Sanwo-Olu described MESI as more than just distributing equipment, but as fulfilling the government’s promise to create wealth, generate jobs, and promote financial independence.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the investments in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, technology, security, social protection, and enterprise development that have improved residents’ lives across the state. He stated, “The strength of any government is measured not merely by the size of its economy or the scale of its infrastructure, but by how many lives it touches.”
He commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia-Dada Bolaji, for implementing impactful empowerment programmes across Lagos, urging beneficiaries to maximize the support, grow their businesses, create jobs, support their families, and contribute to the state’s economic development.
Also, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, affirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining empowerment programmes, noting that beneficiaries have continued to share testimonies of improved livelihoods and transformed lives. He encouraged the beneficiaries to grow their businesses and train others, promising to continue increasing the number of people to be empowered.
Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, praised the governor for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of the people. She commended Commissioner Bolaji for her dedication to empowerment initiatives, especially for vulnerable members of the state.
Past beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Lagos State government for their benevolence. Miss Temitope Azeez shared that WAPA’s catering training and empowerment support enabled her to establish Moattreats Services, transforming her livelihood. Ms. Adeola Enegide highlighted the impact of WAPA’s 2024 Catering and Hotel Management training in establishing her business and urged beneficiaries to empower others.
The Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Rianat Onigbanjo, emphasized that the empowerment items symbolized hope and opportunities for self-reliance, urging beneficiaries to use them productively to build sustainable businesses. Onigbanjo appreciated Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner Bolaji, stakeholders, partners, and the media for supporting the successful implementation of the initiative.