Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has empowered about 11,885 start-up businesses in the last four years with an assurance of more attention to the Micro-Enterprises in driving economic development of the state.
Speaking at the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the significance of supporting micro-enterprises to alleviate the economic plight of Lagos citizens.
Our administration’s recognition of the pivotal role of Micro-Enterprises in driving economic development, reducing poverty, and generating employment, led to its prioritization for support to create more job opportunities and foster innovation for accelerated growth, said Sanwo-Olu.
He further highlighted his commitment to Improved Skills Development and Education, aimed at empowering residents with valuable skills and enhancing employability. Additionally, the state will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to open up income-generating opportunities.
The initiative, targeted at indigent, vulnerable, and graduates of skills acquisition centers in Lagos State, aims to provide tangible support to those facing significant challenges in their daily lives. Beneficiaries received various equipment such as milling machines, sewing machines, professional hair dryers, barbing clippers, generators, popcorn machines, and snail pens, among others, to aid in realizing their economic aspirations.
Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, congratulated the beneficiaries and reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to empowering individuals and groups for financial sustainability. She emphasized the importance of the state’s zero tolerance on idleness and highlighted other forthcoming programs aimed at empowering women and the indigent in the state.
The Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative is a significant step towards poverty alleviation and empowerment of vulnerable members of society. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains steadfast in its pursuit of economic growth and development, ensuring equal opportunities for all Lagosians.
As the state continues to prioritize the micro-enterprise sector, it is expected that more job opportunities will be created, poverty will be reduced, and economic development will be accelerated. The commitment to collaboration with stakeholders further demonstrates the government’s determination to build a Greater Lagos that leaves no one behind.
