Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved N740 million interest-free loans for two young entrepreneurs on Tuesday during the launch of the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP) at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
The event, themed “Made in Bayelsa, Sold to the World: Driving Prosperity Through Local Commerce,” aimed to foster innovation and economic growth.
Mrs. Tare Korumene, CEO of ECO FIP Nigeria Limited, received N240 million to expand her production of “Bayelsa Dunaly Hair,” organic hair extensions made from plantain stems.
Winsome Dan-Adere was granted N500 million to scale his plastic waste recycling business, which produces interlocked blocks.
The loans, facilitated through Premium Trust Bank, seek to promote job creation and self-reliance among youth.
Addressing 500 young participants, Diri announced that BEEP would be an annual event to nurture entrepreneurship.
He stressed the need to move away from oil dependency toward a technology-driven economy, highlighting a partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to boost online trading for local businesses.
The governor also outlined plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence into school curricula and complete a new ICT hub in Yenagoa.
According to the governor, gas turbines have been procured to ensure uninterrupted power supply by the end of 2025, a critical enabler for online commerce.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Abdullahi emphasized BEEP’s goal of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030 through federal partnerships.
He said the program aims to position Bayelsa as a hub for technology and business outsourcing, attracting global investors.
Owanari Harry, Special Adviser on Trade and Investment, stated that BEEP will support 500 nano, micro, and small businesses with capital, training, mentorship, and global market access. The initiative reflects Bayelsa’s commitment to sustainable economic growth through innovation.
