We’ve Invested N8.4bn To Support 12,000 Indigent Residents – Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his administration has invested over N8.4bn to combat poverty by supporting more than 12,000 residents to start micro, small, and medium enterprises in the last four years.

The Governor disclosed the 2025 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) for vulnerable and indigent residents of the state at Blue Roof, Ikeja, Lagos.

The 2025 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative items distributed are hairdressing kits, such as hair dryers and attachments, two-phase burners, sewing machines, stone machines, aluminium fabrication machines, smoking kilns, pepper grinders, and barbering kits, such as clippers, sterilisers, and generators.

Others are POS, cash grants, cake mixers, pedicure sets, photography equipment such as cameras and camera stands, carpentry equipment, and agricultural Items.

Sanwo-Olu said in his speech, “I envision a Lagos where every woman, every young person, and every aspiring entrepreneur has the tools, resources, and confidence they need to turn their dreams into successful businesses. With the Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we’re taking bold strides to make that vision a reality.

“This initiative is a key part of our administration’s mission to empower women and combat poverty by developing micro-enterprises. This year, we’re ramping up funding, focusing on skills development, and enhancing support for women-led businesses—all driven by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation’s commitment to unity, innovation, and effective service delivery.

“When we uplift one entrepreneur, we uplift an entire family, a whole community, and ultimately, the future of Lagos. The positive impact of your success will resonate in every market, every neighbourhood, and every home. Over the last four years, this administration has invested over N8.4 billion to support more than 12,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, showcasing our steadfast commitment to fostering an economy where businesses can thrive and no one is left behind.

“Today, we’re thrilled to empower 1,700 dedicated individuals—women, men, and youth—who embody the future of our state’s economy.

This significant increase in beneficiaries compared to previous years is made possible by the additional funding allocated to these programs. Through this support, we’re not just providing start-up capital; we’re unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and opening doors to brighter, more prosperous lives for many across the state.”

The state’s commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon Bolaji Cecilia Dada, stated in her address that “Since its inception, this initiative has directly empowered thousands of indigent Lagosians, young and old alike, by providing equipment, training, and start-up capital.

She added, “Our Ministry’s role has been to translate that vision into concrete programmes, ensuring that when the state government speaks of ‘leaving no one behind,’ it means exactly that.”