The Bayelsa State Government has announced the launch of a new initiative to drive digital entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities across the state. This was revealed during a joint press briefing held at the Information House in Yenagoa, where key officials introduced the flagship economic empowerment project, eMPower500 (MP500), alongside the 2025 Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP).
The event featured Hon. Mrs. Ebiewou Koku-Obiyai, Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy; Dr. Ebieri Jones, Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment; and Hon. Mrs. Owanari Harry, Special Adviser to the Governor on Investments and focal person for the initiative.
Scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025, the first edition of the program will be held under the theme “Made in Bayelsa, Sold to the World,” focusing on empowering small and medium business owners in the state to engage in e-commerce and digital trade.
Hon. Koku-Obiyai praised the initiative as a strong indicator of Governor Douye Diri’s dedication to uplifting the people of Bayelsa. “eMPower500 is a testament to Governor Douye Diri’s unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of Bayelsans,” she stated. “This initiative reflects our administration’s focus on innovation, empowerment, and inclusive economic growth.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ebieri Jones explained that BEEP is more than just another empowerment scheme. “This is a full-scale entrepreneurship ecosystem designed for sustainability and competitiveness. It’s built to last and to grow,” he said, noting that the program addresses the real needs of nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs).
According to Hon. Owanari Harry, the program aims to empower 500 NMSMEs every year, with a strong focus on youth and women entrepreneurs. “Through BEEP, we are offering support tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs so they can grow, become resilient, and compete in the fast-changing global economy,” she stated.
The BEEP initiative, which falls under the broader eMPower500 program, is structured to help businesses transition into the digital economy through training, mentorship, and tools that support online visibility and access to global markets.
“BEEP is our flagship program under MP500 for 2025,” Hon. Harry said. “It will equip entrepreneurs with real-world digital and e-commerce skills, connect them to federal and international funding opportunities, and help them set up the foundations needed for long-term business success.”
The support package includes a digital learning platform (MP500 e-Learning), sector-specific mentorship and entrepreneurial clusters, business starter packs (CAC registration, bank accounts, domain hosting, branding kits), and access to digital platforms such as Capsule for business and funding management.
The government also plans to provide market access facilitation, helping local businesses enter and thrive in both national and international value chains.
Expected benefits from the program include increased financial inclusion, better business competitiveness, more local job creation, and significant progress toward the administration’s economic diversification goals.
During the Q&A session, journalists asked about how uneducated or rural business owners would be carried along. Hon. Harry assured them that the program was built with digital inclusiveness in mind.
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Although the first round of selections has already been completed, interested business owners are encouraged to apply for upcoming editions of the program.