AS part of the Lagos State Government's economic development and poverty eradication strategy, the Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Alimosho Constituency II, Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, has influenced an empowerment opportunity for constituents under the State Government empowerment scheme of over 1,000 vulnerable and indigent residents through the Year 2024 State’s Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) Programme.
While speaking at the end of the programme held on Wednesday, January 9, 2024, at the Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Kehinde Joseph said the MESI initiative is a practical demonstration of Governor Sanwo-Olu administration’s social inclusion policy geared towards ensuring that no one is left behind in the collective journey to the Greater Lagos dream. It is also aimed at addressing the plight of the less privileged that is facing significant challenges in the State.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Account (State) added that as the fifth largest economy in Africa, it is compelling for the Sanwo-Olu administration to harness the potential of the State’s diverse population to drive accelerated, sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the State.
Speaking further, the grassroots Lawmaker emphasised that empowering indigent and vulnerable residents in Lagos State requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses immediate needs and focuses on long-term solutions. He said the State Government is earnestly developing Social Safety Nets through various programmes, 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.
While noting that the State Government aims to increase employability and open up opportunities for income generation through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, Kehinde Joseph said that building a successful nation is not solely the duty of an individual but a collective task, saying, “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”.
The State Lawmaker, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment tools and not to sell them as the government has invested significantly in getting the 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”, he said.
The beneficiaries showcased their heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Lawmaker for deeming it fit to facilitate such an opportunity for them to be financially independent while promising to make judicious use of the tools given to them.
