11th December, 2024
The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has restated its dedication to fostering opportunities, alleviating poverty, and driving economic empowerment through entrepreneurial initiatives in Lagos State.
This was highlighted on Wednesday during the second phase of the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), which benefited 1,500 Lagos residents.
The event saw the distribution of various tools and equipment to enhance the businesses of the beneficiaries. Items included stoning machines, pepper grinders, sewing machines, hair dryers, barbing kits (clippers, sterilisers, generators), facial steamers, aluminium cutting machines, two-phase burners (complete with large cooking pots and gas cylinders), cake mixers, welding machines, agricultural inputs (fertilisers, knapsacks, seeds), and cash grants.
Addressing the gathering briefly before departing for Abuja, Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the administration’s resolve to tackle poverty through skill acquisition, capacity building, and financial empowerment.
“This programme is a testament to our vision of a Greater Lagos where everyone thrives and contributes to our collective progress. The overwhelming success of the first phase held in July, as attested by previous beneficiaries, made it imperative to approve this second phase within the same year,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the initiative transcends financial assistance, focusing instead on building self-reliance, spurring economic growth, and unlocking the potential of women entrepreneurs.
“This initiative ensures that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to resources to transform her life, community, and Lagos at large. To the beneficiaries, I urge you to seize this opportunity, use these resources wisely, and inspire others in your communities. Your success contributes to the larger success of our state,” he added.
He also commended Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and her team for their exceptional dedication to the programme, which has empowered thousands of Lagos residents.
Earlier, Dada described the initiative as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, enabling them to rise above poverty through entrepreneurship.
She encouraged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity to realise their entrepreneurial ambitions.
“These tools represent not just trade instruments but pathways to transformation, designed to help you grow your businesses and uplift your communities,” she said.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Lagos State government for the support, pledging to utilise the resources effectively and extend their skills to empower others in their neighbourhoods.
