The Bayelsa State government has officially launched the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP), a digital business initiative designed to empower young people in the state through e-commerce and online entrepreneurship.
Governor Douye Diri, while addressing participants during the launch event, urged Bayelsa youths to embrace the opportunities offered by digital trade and online businesses. He described the program as a turning point for economic growth in the state.
“This is called e-commerce. My dear Bayelsa youths, our way to go is this way. We don’t have any other way to go,” Governor Diri said.
He highlighted the strong interest from young entrepreneurs in the state, revealing that over 2,500 business owners applied for the program online. He emphasized that this response shows the readiness of Bayelsa youths to be productive when given the right support.
“That’s why I always say that our youths are not lazy. We are not lazy. We just need some guidance, and your government is prepared to give you that guidance,” he stated.
To show practical support, Governor Diri approved an interest-free loan facility totaling N740 million to two Bayelsa businesswomen who participated in the program.
“For the lady who presented here via the screen, is she here? Please come out. We will support you through our bankers, Premium Trust Bank, with the sum of about N240 million. It is going to come as a loan but you will not pay the interest on the N240 million,” he announced.
Read Also: Apply: MTN Skills Academy (Free Digital Training)
He further added, “Next is the other lady who is turning waste to wealth. Where is she? Let her come. We will give you a loan of N500 million. And I am doing this to encourage our young people.”