...As 3,792 residents receive tools, equipment after training

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, restated his administration’s resolve to continuously promote economic inclusion and grassroots development as 3,792 residents received tools and equipment under the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) aimed at strengthening small businesses and improving livelihoods of beneficiaries.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this at an empowerment programme, noted that the initiative is a practical demonstration of his administration’s resolve to create opportunities, reduce poverty and promote self-reliance among Lagosians.

“The strength of any government is measured not merely by the size of its economy or the scale of its infrastructure, but by how many lives it touches and how many people it empowers to succeed,” he said.

The governor noted that the beneficiaries would receive empowerment tools and equipment to expand their businesses, improve household incomes and contribute to the state’s economic development.

He said the initiative aligns with the objectives of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises inclusive growth by ensuring that development reaches every part of Lagos, including urban, rural and riverine communities.

Sanwo-Olu added that small business owners, artisans, traders, women entrepreneurs and young people remain the backbone of the state’s economy,and empowering them would create jobs, stimulate economic activities and strengthen families.

“From the very first day of this administration, we made a commitment to build a Greater Lagos where no one is left behind. We promised to create opportunities, support businesses, empower our people and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every community. Seven years on, our record speaks for itself: across every sector, we have remained focused on delivering practical results that improve the lives of Lagosians.

“The THEMES+ Agenda has been our roadmap for fulfilling those promises. It rests on the simple understanding that sustainable development is meaningful only when it reaches the grassroots. Whether in the heart of our commercial districts, in our rural communities or in the riverine areas, every resident deserves access to opportunities that improve their standard of living.

“This is why we have remained intentional about economic empowerment. The strength of our economy depends not only on large corporations, but on the resilience and productivity of our small business owners, artisans, traders, women entrepreneurs and young people. When we empower one entrepreneur, we strengthen a family; when we support thousands, we strengthen the economy of Lagos State.

“The Micro Enterprise Support Initiative is one of the clearest expressions of this administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. It is more than the distribution of tools and equipment; it is the fulfilment of our promise to give our people the means to create wealth, build sustainable businesses, generate employment and achieve financial independence.

“Over the last seven years, we have consistently demonstrated that our promises are backed by action. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, technology, security, social protection and enterprise development, we have continued to build a Lagos that works for everyone. At the same time, we have deliberately invested in our people, because the greatest legacy of any government is not the projects it builds but the lives it transforms.

“MESI reflects this philosophy perfectly. It is designed to reach every corner of Lagos State, from the mainland to the island, from densely populated communities to rural settlements and riverine areas. Our objective is simple: no hardworking Lagosian should be denied an opportunity because of where they live or the circumstances into which they were born.

“This administration believes that true leadership is about creating opportunities, not dependency. Every empowerment package distributed today represents hope renewed, dreams restored and renewed confidence in the ability of our people to succeed through hard work and determination.”