In a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday unveiled support packages for 1,700 micro-entrepreneurs under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, MWAPA.
The event, held at De Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, brought together government officials, community leaders and beneficiaries to celebrate yet another milestone in Lagos State’s push for inclusive economic development.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, delivering his keynote address, reaffirmed his vision for a Lagos where every woman, youth, and aspiring entrepreneur has the tools and confidence to succeed.
“With MESI, we’re taking bold strides to make that vision a reality,” he said. “Over the past four years, we’ve invested over N8.4 billion in supporting over 12,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises. Today, we empower 1,700 more individuals who represent the heartbeat of our local economy.”
He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial aid. “We are unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and opening doors to brighter, more prosperous lives. This is not just a grant—it’s a call to action.”
As Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded, he called on all recipients to “go out there, be bold, be courageous and let your achievements light the way for those who follow in your footsteps.”
First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by wife of the Deputy Governor Oluremi Hamzat in her goodwill message, noted that the MESI programme is a shining example of the present administration’s commitment to empowering women and youths to become independent and key players in their various sectors.
Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada highlighted the impact MESI has made over the years.
“Since its inception, MESI has transformed thousands of lives through equipment, training, and startup capital. From barbing kits to agric tools, from sewing machines to photography gear—we are building an economy from the ground up.”
She credited Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ agenda for placing human capital development at the forefront of Lagos’s progress, and praised the 19 tuition-free skills acquisition centres across the five divisions of the state that are helping build sustainable livelihoods.
Hon. Dada urged beneficiaries not only to make productive use of the resources but to “mentor others, build sustainably, and become catalysts for a stronger, self-reliant Lagos.”
Blacktalker reports that beneficiaries received tools including Hairdressing kits, sewing machines, stoning machines, agricultural equipment, smoking kilns, pepper grinders, POS machines, photography equipment, carpentry tools, Barbing kits complete with clippers, sterilizers and generators.