The Lagos State Government has intensified its drive to boost small businesses and reduce poverty by empowering 18,963 women and youths with start-up tools under the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI). Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known during the official distribution ceremony held at Ikeja, an event organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA).
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting micro and small enterprises across the state. He noted that MESI remains a strategic intervention designed to uplift vulnerable groups, stimulate economic growth from the grassroots, and provide sustainable paths toward financial independence.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that empowering nearly 19,000 beneficiaries with tools, equipment, and resources would significantly strengthen small-scale businesses and enhance wealth creation. According to him, providing these start-up tools is not merely a welfare gesture but a targeted economic strategy to help residents build businesses, expand their income streams, and improve their standard of living.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which places a strong focus on social inclusion, human capital development, and protection of vulnerable citizens. “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,” the governor stated.
Sanwo-Olu added that the government would continue to invest in skill acquisition, micro-enterprise support, and empowerment programmes to help residents compete favorably in the evolving economic landscape. He assured that Lagos would not relent in creating opportunities that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
The MESI empowerment programme is expected to boost productivity, encourage self-reliance, and further strengthen the economic resilience of women and youths across the state.
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