…Programme begins June 17
By Tapre Timine, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has launched two major economic development initiatives aimed at boosting entrepreneurial growth and digital participation among small business owners across the state.
During a press briefing held at the Information House in Yenagoa, government officials unveiled the eMPower500 (MP500) and the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP) as part of efforts to foster inclusive economic opportunities and equip 500 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the tools to thrive in the digital economy.
The briefing was addressed by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Mrs Ebiewou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investments, Hon Mrs Owanari Harry, who serves as the focal person for the initiative.
The government said the programme would begin on June 17, 2025, under the theme “Made in Bayelsa, Sold to the World”, and would prioritise structured support for businesses led by youth and women in the state.
In a statement signed by Hon Mrs Owanari Harry, Special Adviser to the Governor on Investments, she noted that the eMPower500 programme is designed to empower 500 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises annually by building their resilience, increasing their competitiveness, and positioning them to access broader markets.
She explained that the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP), which is the flagship component of MP500 for the 2025 cycle, is structured to transition local businesses into the digital economy through hands-on training, access to business development tools, and linkages to domestic and international markets.
Speaking further, Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment,Dr Ebieri Jones stated that the programme represents a deliberate departure from traditional empowerment schemes, adding that BEEP offers a full entrepreneurship ecosystem focused on long-term sustainability and growth.
Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon Mrs Ebiewou Koku-Obiyai described the initiative as a direct response to the administration’s commitment to inclusive prosperity and digital innovation, saying that Governor Douye Diri’s government is focused on translating policy into tangible opportunities for Bayelsans.
According to the organisers, the programme will offer beneficiaries structured training in digital and e-commerce skills, and provide mentorship and access to funding opportunities through partnerships with federal agencies and international development bodies.
Beneficiaries are also expected to receive formal business setup support, including Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration, corporate bank accounts, domain hosting, branding materials, and access to platforms such as Capsule for business management.
The Bayelsa State Government said the initiative is expected to enhance financial inclusion for entrepreneurs, boost the competitiveness of local enterprises in digital markets, stimulate job creation, and attract new investments to the state.
