11,000 Benefit from Lagos State Govt Micro-enterprise Support Scheme
A total of 11,885 participants benefitted from the Lagos State Government Micro-Enterprise Support Scheme (MESI) across 19 skills acquisition centres across the State in the last four years.
The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at the graduation ceremony at Ikeja, yesterday.
So far the State government has graduated 18,886 students from the acquisition centres since 2019 till date.
Also empowered in the last four years were 4,000 widows as recipients at the various poverty alleviation programmes by
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat said, "I'm excited to be here to see what is going on. A lot of people in our country always complain instead of taking action. No problem can be solved by complaining. Problems get solved when people take action."
The Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative is an economic intervention programme for indigent, vulnerable, and graduands of Skills Acquisition Centres in the State.
Working tools were provided in order to enhance their trade proficiencies. Milling machines, sewing machines, professional hair-dryers, barbing clippers with sterilising units and generators, pop-corn machines, sharwama grillers and toasting machines, snail pens, industrial cookers, tile laying machines, as well as garri processing equipment, were among the items distributed to the beneficiaries.
Sanwo-Olu, expressed delight over the initiative, noting that the gesture was one of the measures put in place by his administration to alleviate poverty.
He went further, "Today, many of you will receive support in the form of milling machines, sewing machines, professional hair-dryers, barbing clippers with sterilising units, generators, pop-corn machines, Shawarma grills, toasting machines, snail pens, industrial cookers, tile laying machines, and garri processing equipment to aid the realisation of the economic aspirations of the most vulnerable people.
"Across the globe, governments, private sectors, and civil societies are exploring better ways to achieve poverty reduction and accelerate women's empowerment through indigenous economic development strategies, and as the fifth largest economy in Africa, it is compelling on us to harness the potentials of our diverse population to drive accelerated, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
"Empowering indigent and vulnerable residents in Lagos State requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing immediate needs and focusing on long-term solutions.
“We are earnestly developing social safety nets through various programs, offering direct assistance such as cash transfers, food vouchers, healthcare subsidies, and access to quality education, alleviating immediate hardships and improving citizens overall well-being.”
He added: "This administration is committed to improved skills development and education, harnessing enhanced skills acquisition training and adult education to empower residents with qualitative and valuable skills.
“We aim to increase employability and open up opportunities for income generation through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.”
According to the governor, "Building a successful nation is not solely the duty of an individual but a collective task. We must work hand in hand to ensure the sustainable growth of these micro-enterprises and provide support to those who need it the most.
"I urge you not to sell these items as the State government has invested significantly in various empowerment tools. You are expected to make judicious use of these resources. They are not gifts to be kept away but put to use as tools to facilitate your journey to becoming economically and financially independent as well as employers of labour.
"It is important for you to understand that there are opportunities. Just few weeks ago, at this same venue, about 5,000 graduands were empowered. This is what Lagos is doing, this is what we are known for.
"The administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu recognises the importance of micro enterprise to create wealth. It is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to empower young people."
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Hon. Cecilia Bolaji Dada said, "It is a grand privilege to welcome you all to the MESI being organised by the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation aimed at alleviating the economic plight of the Lagos citizenry.
"We recognise the plight of those who are less fortunate and face significant challenges in their daily lives. It is our duty as a government to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.