..Recipients to receive N240m, N500m respectively
…Unveils plans for AI curriculum, new ICT hub
…State targets 95% digital literacy, boosts non-oil economy
By Tapre Timine
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved interest-free loans amounting to N740 million for two emerging entrepreneurs as part of broader efforts to boost local enterprise and youth empowerment across the state.
The beneficiaries are Mrs Tare Korumene, Chief Executive Officer of ECO FIP Nigeria Limited, who was allocated N240 million, and Mr Winsome Dan-Adere, who secured a N500 million loan.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the formal launch of the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP), themed “Made in Bayelsa, Sold to the World: Driving Prosperity Through Local Commerce”, at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
Korumene manufactures organic hair extensions, known as Bayelsa Dunaly Hair, from plantain stems, while Dan-Adere specialises in converting plastic waste into interlocking blocks.
Governor Diri, visibly impressed by their entrepreneurial pitches, said the funds would be disbursed via Premium Trust Bank, with specific arrangements overseen by the state’s Commissioner for Finance.
Addressing over 500 young attendees, the governor explained that BEEP would become an annual initiative designed to encourage youth self-sufficiency, reduce unemployment, and promote wealth creation through entrepreneurship. He underlined the importance of diversifying the state’s economy beyond its traditional reliance on crude oil, calling on Bayelsa’s youth to embrace digital commerce.
To advance this shift, Diri announced a partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to strengthen the state’s online trading ecosystem. He further disclosed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) would soon be introduced into Bayelsa’s school curriculum and confirmed the completion of a new ICT hub in Yenagoa, which will be overseen by a soon-to-be-appointed technical coordinator.
Governor Diri stated: “Let us embrace a new way of thinking, moving away from over-dependence on crude oil revenue. The rest of the world is moving forward and we must move with it.
“We are now seeing innovative products like organic hair extensions made from plantain stems, creating a new value chain in agriculture. Products like Brazilian hair rely on chemicals, but here in Bayelsa, we are offering something more sustainable.
“We will support you, Tariere Korumene, with a N240 million interest-free loan through Premium Trust Bank to scale your business. Similarly, Mr Dan-Adere will receive N500 million to grow his recycling enterprise. We are committed to shifting the narrative from youth dependency to empowerment.”
He continued: “Our administration is giving priority to Artificial Intelligence, and I have instructed the Commissioner for Education to ensure it is included in our schools’ curriculum.
“We have completed construction of a new ICT hub in Yenagoa and will soon appoint a technical focal person to run it. We want to witness the emergence of a modern Bayelsa.
“What is shaping the world today is information technology. We must catch up with the global trend, especially in online business. To support this, the state government has procured gas turbines, which will enable Bayelsa to enjoy uninterrupted power supply by the end of this year. This is our commitment to our youth, and it is the legacy we intend to leave.”
In his keynote address, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said BEEP aims to transform Bayelsa’s economic landscape through innovation-driven entrepreneurship. He revealed that the programme aligns with the federal government’s plan to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy nationwide by 2030 through digital skills initiatives.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Owanari Harry, added that BEEP is structured to support 500 nano, micro, and small enterprises across the state with access to capital, mentorship, training, and market opportunities, all while leveraging global partnerships to ensure long-term economic sustainability.
