The Lagos State government through the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), under the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has empowered 18,963 residents, mostly women since the inception of the programme.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this at the MESI programme organised by WAPA on Wednesday at Ikeja.

Mr Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, reaffirmed its commitment to support small businesses through MESI.

He said the state government would continue to engage and promote small businesses through various empowerment initiatives to tackle poverty.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said: “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.

“Our vision is to build a Lagos where every resident, regardless of gender, age, ability, or social status, has a fair opportunity to advance.

“For us, empowerment is not a one-off intervention; it is a deliberate and strategic pillar for building a resilient and inclusive economy.

“By equipping our people with the tools and resources they need to run productive businesses, we are strengthening the informal sector which is the heart beat of Lagos”.

“The tools and equipment being distributed today are not ordinary items but enablers of growth, ladders of opportunity, and platforms for financial independence.

The governor urged the beneficiaries of the programme to make use of the tools to better and enhance their source of livelihood

He, however, commended the leadership of WAPA for their consistency and commitment for the initiative and other programmes that touch 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 said.

Speaking earlier, Bolaji Dada, the Lagos State commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, said the MESI was birthed to provide practical training, startup capital and essential tools to disadvantaged women, youths , artisans and graduates of WAPA skill centres.

Ms Dada said MESI since inception had delivered multiple editions of empowerment, working tools and financial support to numerous micro, small and medium businesses targeted at alleviating poverty.

“This initiative is a practical expression of the social inclusion and economic empowerment pillars of THEMES Plus, which remain central to Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to leave no one behind.

“At WAPA, our mandate is to build pathways for vulnerable persons, women, men, young adults, widows, persons with disabilities, and unemployed graduates ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has an opportunity to thrive.

“For this third edition of MESI, this year, we are expanding our reach and strengthening our impact as we proudly present empowerment tools to beneficiaries across Lagos State.

“This is a demonstration of the government’s resolve to reduce poverty, encourage self-reliance, and support micro-enterprises at the community level.

“For us at WAPA, vulnerability is a call to duty and today’s intervention is our response,” she said.

She said equipment distributed include sewing machines, stoning machines, hairdressing kits, baking ovens and confectionery starter kits, barbing kits, sterilisers, and generators, cassava processing machines and food processing machines among others.

The commissioner commended Mr Sanwo-Olu for his unflinching support to women’s empowerment through the ministry.

Also speaking, Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, the chairman, House committee on women affairs and poverty alleviation and job creation, said the house would continue to enact laws that would enhance the well-being of women.

Mrs Oyekan-Olumegbon noted MESI and other empowerment programmes were initiated to prioritise and support development of women in the state.

Some of the beneficiaries commended the state government for the start-up tools.

Ganiat Danni and Comfort Olanipekun who received a stoning machine and grinding machine, respectively praised WAPA for impacting positively on their livelihoods.

(NAN)