Lagos State legislator, Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, has played a pivotal role in securing an empowerment opportunity for constituents, with the Lagos State Government empowering over 1,000 beneficiaries through the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI) Programme. Hon. Kehinde Joseph highlighted the initiative as part of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to social inclusion and ensuring that every resident contributes to the collective journey towards the Greater Lagos dream.
Addressing the program at the Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Hon. Kehinde Joseph emphasized the significance of the MESI initiative in addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable and indigent residents in the state. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Account (State), he stressed the importance of indigenous economic development strategies to achieve poverty reduction and women’s empowerment.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph underscored the multi-faceted approach required to empower indigent residents effectively, combining immediate assistance with long-term solutions. He highlighted the state government’s commitment to social safety nets, including cash transfers, food vouchers, healthcare subsidies, and access to quality education, to alleviate hardships and enhance overall well-being.
Acknowledging Lagos as the fifth-largest economy in Africa, Hon. Kehinde Joseph emphasized the need for the Sanwo-Olu administration to leverage the state’s diverse population for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He urged collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance employability and create opportunities for income generation.
In his message to the beneficiaries, Hon. Kehinde Joseph urged them to utilize the empowerment tools judiciously, emphasizing that these resources are not mere gifts but valuable instruments for economic and financial independence. He encouraged the beneficiaries to view the tools as facilitators on their journey to becoming self-reliant and potential employers of labor.
The beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Kehinde Joseph for facilitating the empowerment opportunity, pledging to make optimal use of the provided tools for financial independence.