Lagos empowers 3,792 residents with business tools to expand SMEs
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday empowered 3,792 residents with business equipment under the 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) as part of efforts to reduce poverty, promote entrepreneurship and boost economic inclusion.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the empowerment programme held at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods by providing residents with the tools needed to establish sustainable businesses and achieve financial independence.
He said the programme aligns with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, noting that supporting artisans, traders, women, youths and other small business owners is critical to strengthening Lagos’ economy.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, described the initiative as an investment in the future of beneficiaries rather than a routine distribution of business equipment.
She said the ministry has graduated more than 35,000 residents from its tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres, while nearly 19,000 beneficiaries have received start-up equipment through the MESI programme since the Sanwo-Olu administration assumed office.
Dada added that the ministry has also empowered thousands of residents through digital skills training, food support programmes, agricultural initiatives, grants for widows and interventions for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence to promote inclusive development across the state.
Also speaking, Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat urged beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment by building sustainable businesses capable of improving their livelihoods, supporting their families and creating employment opportunities for others.
The beneficiaries received a wide range of business tools, including sewing machines, catering equipment, hairdressing and barbing kits, photography equipment, agricultural processing machines, deep freezers, popcorn machines, grinding machines and food items, while the state government pledged to expand empowerment programmes to create more opportunities for residents.
