Sanwo-Olu empowers entrepreneurs, says 40,000 Lagosians have benefited from scheme

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots economic empowerment revealing that about 40,000 residents have so far benefited from the state’s Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

The governor made this known after presenting working tools to thousands of traders, artisans and young entrepreneurs across the state, describing the intervention as part of his administration’s resolve to ensure governance delivers tangible benefits to ordinary Lagosians.

According to Sanwo-Olu, beneficiaries received various business equipment, including sewing machines, catering utensils, deep freezers, photography equipment and agricultural processing tools to enable them establish or expand their businesses and attain financial independence.

He said the initiative aligns with the THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises economic inclusion, job creation and sustainable livelihoods.

“Over the last seven years, our goal has been to make sure governance works for real people. Today, we put that commitment into action by providing working tools to thousands of hardworking Lagosians through our Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI),” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that supporting micro and small enterprises remains central to his administration’s economic development strategy, stressing that empowering traders, artisans and young entrepreneurs would stimulate grassroots economic growth, reduce poverty and create more employment opportunities.

“So far, this programme has empowered about 40,000 residents with the equipment they need to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods,” he added.

The governor said the state would continue investing in programmes that provide practical support for residents, rather than temporary interventions, to strengthen entrepreneurship and wealth creation.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to maximise the opportunity by growing their businesses, supporting their families and creating jobs for others.

The Micro Enterprise Support Initiative is one of the Lagos State Government’s flagship empowerment programmes aimed at equipping vocational graduates, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs with business tools needed to improve productivity and enhance self-reliance.

Through the initiative, the government seeks to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen the informal sector and drive inclusive economic growth across the state.