The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has empowered about 11,885 start up businesses in the last four years with an assurance of more attention to the Micro-Enterprises in driving economic development of the state.
The beneficiaries of the scheme are the indigent, vulnerable, and graduates of the Skills Acquisition Centers in Lagos State.
The move according to the Governor is to reduce poverty, increase wealth of the people of Lagos and cushion the effects of the hardship Nigerians are facing as a result of removal of subsidy among others.
Speaking at the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation at the Blue Roof, Ikeja Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said the whole essence is to alleviate the economic plight of the Lagos citizens.
He commended the Ministry for driving the commendable efforts of his administration’s economic development and poverty eradication strategy through the program as he urged youths in the state to key into numerous empowerment schemes aimed at making life more meaningful for Lagosians.
“Our administration’s recognition of the pivotal role of Micro-Enterprises in driving economic development, reducing poverty, and generating employment, led to its prioritization for support to create more job opportunities, and foster innovation for accelerated growth.
“This initiative is a tangible demonstration of our
commitment to addressing the plight of the less privileged who are facing significant challenges in their daily lives. It is also a practical demonstration of our social inclusion policy geared towards ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective journey to the Greater Lagos of our dream.
“Today, many of you will receive support in the form of Milling machines, sewing machines, Professional Hair-dryers, Barbing clippers with Sterilizing units, Generators, Pop-corn machines, Shawarma grills, Toasting Machines, Snail pens, Industrial cookers, Tile laying Machines, and Garri processing equipment to aid the realization of
the economic aspirations of the most vulnerable people.
He maintained that his 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.
The Governor also promised that in the new year, the state will work to increase employability and open up opportunities for income generation through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including educational institutions, NGOs, and the private sector”.
Stopping idleness
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Cecilia Dada congratulated the beneficiaries while restating the Lagos State commitment to Zero tolerance on idleness of any form, stressing that the state will continue to empower individuals and groups to excel in their different endeavours.
Dada said about 700 graduands of the state Skill Acquisition Centres as well as others drawn from the 5 divisions of Lagos State considering their vulnerability for financial sustainability, using the Lagos State Social Register domicile in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget of the State were the beneficiaries of this year’s event.
She added that the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative is an economic intervention programme that marks an important milestone in the efforts of the state to alleviate poverty and empowers the most vulnerable members of the society.
She said “The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the second tenure of his Administration, has reiterated his unwavering commitments, to Implement policies using the T.H.E.M.E.S plus agenda, an all-inclusive initiative geared towards economic growth and development through the blueprints of his predecessors , in order to build a progressively Greater Lagos.
“We recognize 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”.
She added that the Ministry has other line up programmes for women and the indigent in the state in this new year.
Olusola Akintonde
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