Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says his administration has empowered about 40,000 residents with business tools over the past seven years to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) Empowerment Programme organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the governor said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to poverty reduction, economic inclusion and entrepreneurship.
The beneficiaries received various business tools, including sewing and stoning machines, gas burners with cylinders, pepper grinding machines, catering utensils, pedicure equipment, hairdressing and barbering kits, photography equipment, agricultural processing machines, deep freezers, popcorn machines, grinding machines and raw food items for traders.
Sanwo-Olu said the programme aligns with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, noting that empowering artisans, traders, women and young entrepreneurs remains critical to building a stronger economy.
He said the MESI programme is designed to improve livelihoods by giving residents the means to establish sustainable businesses, create jobs and achieve financial independence.
The governor said his administration has remained committed to ensuring that the benefits of governance reach communities across Lagos through investments in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, security, technology, social protection and enterprise development.
He commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, for driving the empowerment programme and urged beneficiaries to use the equipment to grow their businesses, create employment and support their families.
Earlier, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat encouraged beneficiaries to register with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to access additional funding to expand their businesses.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Bolaji Dada said the state government remains committed to empowering women and vulnerable residents through skills acquisition and economic empowerment programmes.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the items provided, while some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, saying the training and empowerment had improved their livelihoods and those of their families.