The Lagos State Government has announced that 18,963 residents, mostly women, have been empowered through the Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative, known as MESI, since the programme started. This update was shared during an event organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, on Wednesday in Ikeja. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the state remains committed to supporting small businesses and helping residents become more financially independent.
Sanwo-Olu explained that MESI continues to align with the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda, which focuses on social inclusion, human development, and protecting vulnerable groups. He said, “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.” He added that the state aims to build a Lagos where every resident, regardless of gender, age, ability, or social status, can progress. He noted that empowerment is a long-term strategy for building a resilient and inclusive economy.
The governor also said the tools distributed at the event are more than physical items, describing them as “enablers of growth, ladders of opportunity, and platforms for financial independence.” He encouraged beneficiaries to use the equipment to improve their livelihoods. “To our beneficiaries, today is the beginning of a new journey, the tools you receive are seeds. Plant them with discipline, nurture them with hard work, and grow them with integrity,” he said. Sanwo-Olu also praised WAPA’s leadership for their continuous commitment to programmes that support Lagos residents.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said MESI was created to offer practical training, startup support, and essential tools to disadvantaged women, youths, artisans, and graduates from WAPA skill centres. She explained that the initiative has held several editions providing working tools and financial help to micro, small, and medium businesses.
According to her, “This initiative is a practical expression of the social inclusion and economic empowerment pillars of THEMES Plus, which remain central to Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to leave no one behind.” She said WAPA’s mandate is to create opportunities for vulnerable persons, including widows, persons with disabilities, and unemployed graduates.
For the third edition this year, Dada said the ministry is expanding its reach by presenting empowerment tools across the state. She said the intervention reflects the government’s resolve to reduce poverty, promote self-reliance, and support micro-enterprises at community level. Equipment distributed at the event included sewing machines, stoning machines, hairdressing kits, baking ovens, confectionery starter kits, barbing kits, sterilisers, generators, cassava processing machines, and other food processing machines. The commissioner also thanked the governor for his continued support for women’s empowerment.
Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation, said the House would keep making laws that support the well-being of women. She noted that MESI and other empowerment programmes were introduced to prioritise and uplift women in Lagos State.
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government. Mrs Ganiat Danni, who received a stoning machine, and Mrs Comfort Olanipekun, who received a grinding machine, both praised WAPA for positively impacting their livelihoods.
