By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos
The Lagos State Government has empowered about 40,000 residents with business tools over the last seven years to strengthen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed on Tuesday.
Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure 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, on Tuesday, August 4, saying the initiative was aimed at reducing poverty, promoting entrepreneurship and improving the livelihoods of residents.
The governor, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the programme had become a major tool for economic inclusion by providing artisans, traders, women and young entrepreneurs with equipment needed to establish and expand their businesses.
He said beneficiaries received various business tools, including sewing machines, pepper grinding machines, catering utensils, hairdressing and barbering kits, photography equipment, agricultural processing machines, deep freezers, popcorn machines, grinding machines and food items for traders.
Sanwo-Olu said the initiative aligns with the administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, noting that empowering small business owners is critical to building a stronger and more inclusive economy.
“Today, we are reaffirming a promise this administration has consistently kept: that governance must improve lives, create opportunities and empower our people to achieve their full potential. The Micro Enterprise Support Initiative is that promise in action,” he said.
According to the governor, the state has continued to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, technology, security and enterprise development while ensuring that economic opportunities reach residents at the grassroots.
He reiterated that his administration would continue to expand support for small businesses and deepen economic inclusion across the state.
Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat urged the beneficiaries to register with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to access financial support for business expansion after the training.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, said the state government remained committed to empowering women and vulnerable residents through skills acquisition and enterprise development programmes.
Also speaking, Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment, describing the initiative as another demonstration of the government’s commitment to poverty eradication and improved living standards.
Beneficiaries, in their remarks, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government, saying the training and empowerment had enhanced their means of livelihood and positioned them for sustainable economic growth.
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