The beneficiaries of the scheme are mostly indigent, vulnerable and graduates of the skills acquisition centres in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this, yesterday, during the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the whole essence was to alleviate the economic plight of Lagos State indigenes.
He commended the ministry for driving the commendable efforts of his administration’s economic development and poverty eradication strategy through the programme, urging 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 and others, led to its prioritisation 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 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 Greater Lagos of our dreams.
“Today, many of you will receive support in the form of milling machines, sewing machines, among others, to aid the realisation of the economic aspirations of the most vulnerable people.”
He said that his administration would be more committed to improving 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 would work to increase employability and open opportunities for income generation through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including educational institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Bolaji Dada, who congratulated the beneficiaries, restated Lagos State’s 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 five 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 beneficiaries of this year’s event.
She added that the Year 2024 Lagos State Micro-Enterprise Support Initiative was an economic intervention programme that marks an important milestone in the efforts of the state to alleviate poverty and empower the most vulnerable members of the society.
