The Lagos State Government has distributed start-up business equipment to more than 3,800 residents through the 2026 edition of its Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), in a renewed bid to tackle poverty and foster economic inclusion.

The empowerment event, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), took place at De Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV), Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The gathering brought together state executives, lawmakers, community and market leaders and hundreds of beneficiaries from across the metropolis.

Delivering his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, framed the initiative as a central pillar of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, which seeks to boost self-reliance and local job creation.

“Empowering entrepreneurs not only strengthens families but also stimulates job creation, supports small businesses, and contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said, adding that the initiative ensures hardworking residents can access tools to elevate their standard of living regardless of their social standing.

Supporting the Governor’s remarks, Deputy Governor Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat described micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the true backbone of the state’s economy.

Meanwhile, the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged the recipients, particularly women and vulnerable family members to leverage the assets to achieve financial independence.

Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,
Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, praised the program’s grassroots impact and its role in practical poverty reduction.

Addressing the audience, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,  Cecilia Dada, explained that MESI was specifically designed to bridge the gap between vocational training and actual enterprise development.

“While our tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres continue to equip residents with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative provides beneficiaries with the tools required to establish or expand their businesses,” Dada said.

According to statistics released by the Ministry: “35,101 residents have graduated from tuition-free Skills Acquisition Centres under the current administration.

18,990 beneficiaries have received business equipment via MESI to date.

18,241 individuals in grassroots and riverine areas have benefited from the Life Skills and Economic Empowerment Programme (LEEP).

Over 5,500 widows have received direct financial grants to support their trade.

4,040 vulnerable families have been reached through the Ounjẹ Lọ Rẹ Awo Food and Nutrition Programme.”

The commissioner added that WAPA’s wider interventions encompass digital skills schemes, annual menstrual hygiene campaigns, agricultural projects at the Avia Farm in Badagry and legal and economic support for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Beneficiaries at Tuesday’s event departed with a broad range of commercial equipment, including sewing machines, hairdressing and barbing kits, deep freezers, cameras, industrial gas burners, vulcanising machines, pepper grinders and raw food trade stock. Officials urged recipients to use the assets responsibly, scale their ventures, and contribute to the state’s broader economic growth.