Ongoing empowerment initiatives will bolster Lagos economy, says Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has emphasized the importance of ongoing empowerment initiatives in Lagos State to build a resilient economy fit for a modern mega city.

He made these remarks on Wednesday at the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) event organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in Lagos.

“This Micro Enterprise Support Initiative is designed to uplift vulnerable women and indigent youths by providing them with the tools and support they need to start and grow their own businesses,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated. “By empowering this segment of our population, we aim to continue to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and create a more inclusive Lagos.”

He praised WAPA’s efforts in empowering women and the indigent, noting that their work, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has led to significant advancements in youth empowerment, skill acquisition, and job creation.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the strategic role of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) in providing financial support and business development services to entrepreneurs, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. “The LSETF, a strategic partner in this endeavor, provides financial support and business development services to entrepreneurs, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” he added.

The governor described the 2024 MESI Programme as a natural progression of previous initiatives, aiming to provide more targeted support to micro-enterprises. “This Y2024 MESI Programme seeks to build upon the successes of our past initiatives by providing even more targeted support to micro-enterprises. By empowering our citizens to become entrepreneurs, we are not only creating jobs but also fostering a vibrant and resilient economy.”

The programme is specifically designed to assist socio-economically disadvantaged women, indigent youths, and graduates of skill acquisition centers by distributing essential empowerment tools and equipment. These include tilling machines, shawarma grillers and toasters, fabricating machines, sewing machines, basic barbing kits with sterilizing equipment, generators, and hairdressing equipment.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further explained, “Distinguished guests, permit me to categorically state that this programme under this administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda was rechristened as ‘Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).’ This decision undoubtedly was borne out of your shared hybrid vision and burning desire to improve on the status quo through deliberate provisioning of economic empowerment.”

The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to uplifting the vulnerable and fostering an inclusive, economically resilient Lagos.