Over 1,000 vulnerable and indigent persons in Lagos State have benefitted from the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).
The beneficiaries got their business tools on tuesday at the Blue Roof, LTV, Ikeja.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, said the MESI initiative is ‘a practical demonstration of his administration’s social inclusion policy geared towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the collective journey to the Greater Lagos dream’.
He added that the initiative would also address the plight of the less-privileged persons who daily face significant challenges.
The governor noted that as the fifth largest economy in Africa, ‘it is compelling for his administration to harness the potential of the state’s diverse population to drive accelerated, sustainable and inclusive economic growth’.
He said: “Across the globe, governments, private sectors, and civil societies are exploring better ways to achieve poverty reduction and accelerate women empowerment through indigenous economic development strategies.
“Empowering indigent and vulnerable residents in requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing immediate needs and focusing on long-term solutions. This is why the government is earnestly developing Social Safety Nets through various programmes, offering direct assistance such as cash transfers, food vouchers, healthcare subsidies and access to quality education, alleviating immediate hardships and improving citizens overall well-being.
“This administration is therefore committed to improveing skills development and education, enhancing skilled acquisition training and adult education to empower residents with qualitative and valuable skills.
“The government aims to increase employability and open up opportunities for income generation through collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Building a successful nation is not solely the duty of an individual, but a collective task. We must work hand in hand to ensure the sustainable growth of these micro-enterprises and provide support to those who need it the most.”
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Mrs. Cecilia Dada said the MESI marks an important milestone in the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and empower the most vulnerable members of the society.
Dada explained that the scheme is a state government intervention and transformational programme adopted to equip residents with adequate tools for financial sustainability.
While urging the beneficiaries to take ownership and care for their startup equipment, said they will be monitored to ensure their progress is recorded and evaluated.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of empowerment tools, including milling machines, sewing machines, professional Hair-dryers, barbing clippers with sterilizing units and generators, Pop-corn machines, Sharwama grillers, among others, to the beneficiaries.