Over the past four years, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has supported approximately 11,885 startup businesses, aiming to further concentrate on bolstering Micro-Enterprises to drive economic development in the state.
These beneficiaries primarily comprise indigent, vulnerable individuals, and graduates from Lagos State Skills Acquisition Centers. The Governor stressed the importance of this initiative in poverty reduction, wealth creation, and alleviating the challenges faced by Nigerians due to recent economic hardships, including the removal of subsidies.
During the 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the initiative’s goal of alleviating economic difficulties faced by Lagos residents.
He commended the Ministry for its commendable efforts in executing the administration’s economic development and poverty eradication strategy. The Governor urged the youth to embrace numerous empowerment schemes aimed at enhancing the lives of Lagosians.
The administration’s commitment to supporting Micro-Enterprises as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and innovation was emphasized, with tangible support offered in the form of various equipment such as milling machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, barbing clippers, generators, and other essential tools for economic advancement.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to improved skills development, education, and empowerment through qualitative skill acquisition training and adult education.
He promised collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the coming year to boost employability and create income-generating opportunities, including partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada, applauded the beneficiaries and reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to eradicating idleness by empowering individuals and groups for excellence in various endeavors.
Highlighting the event’s focus on financial sustainability for about 700 graduates from Lagos State Skill Acquisition Centers and other vulnerable individuals identified through the Lagos State Social Register, Mrs. Dada emphasized the program’s significance in poverty alleviation and empowering the most vulnerable members of society.
She underlined the state government’s unwavering commitment to implementing policies geared toward economic growth and development through inclusive initiatives, ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, especially those facing significant challenges in their daily lives.
Additionally, Mrs. Dada hinted at the Ministry’s forthcoming programs targeting women and the indigent in the state for the new year.
