By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Lagos State Government has empowered 3,792 residents with business tools and financial support under the 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI), as part of efforts to strengthen small businesses, improve livelihoods and promote economic inclusion across the state. 
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the support to beneficiaries on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at an empowerment programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Ikeja.
The beneficiaries received equipment and other forms of support intended to help them establish or expand income-generating activities. The items included sewing machines, deep freezers, catering equipment, photography equipment and agricultural processing tools.
Programme Targets Small Businesses
The initiative is aimed at supporting traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and other residents operating small businesses by providing them with practical resources to improve their livelihoods.
Sanwo-Olu said the intervention reflected his administration’s commitment to economic inclusion and grassroots development, particularly by helping residents become more economically self-reliant.
In a statement shared on his X page, the governor said the government had continued to provide working tools to Lagosians through MESI over the past seven years.
“Today, we put that commitment into action by providing working tools to thousands of hardworking Lagosians through our Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI),” he said.
Sanwo-Olu listed sewing machines, catering utensils, deep freezers, photography equipment and agricultural processing tools among the support provided to beneficiaries.
He said about 40,000 residents had been empowered through the programme over the past seven years with equipment to support their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Support for Businesses and Livelihoods
The governor said supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs remained part of the state’s THEMES+ development agenda, noting that stronger businesses could contribute to job creation and improved household incomes.
“Supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs remains a key part of our THEMES+ Agenda because when our people succeed, Lagos succeeds,” he said.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to put the support to productive use by growing their businesses, supporting their families and creating opportunities for others.
The latest intervention builds on previous phases of MESI through which the Lagos State Government has provided business equipment and support to residents as part of its poverty alleviation and entrepreneurship programmes.
The 2026 initiative is being implemented by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen micro-enterprises, promote self-reliance and improve economic opportunities for residents.
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