From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State government has unveiled the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP) 2025 to empower 500 businesswomen.
According to the Special Adviser to the governor on Trade and Investment, Mrs Owanari Harry, the scheme under the MPOWER500 programme will empower 500 MSMEs, youth-led startups, women-owned ventures, and grassroots enterprises through expert-led training, strategic mentorship, and direct access to markets, funding, and digital tools.
She noted that the initiative reaffirms the Senator Douye Diri-led administration’s deep and unwavering commitment to economic inclusion, youth and women empowerment, and sustainable development driven by innovation and enterprise.
Harry stated that the MP500 is committed to driving inclusive economic growth by supporting 500 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs) every year.
‘’The Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Program (BEEP 2025) is more than an economic initiative; it is a bridge designed to transition 500 of our most promising micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
‘’Amid Nigeria’s digital boom, too many of our businesses in Bayelsa remain excluded from its benefits, held back by limited access to digital tools, technical know-how, and viable markets. BEEP is our answer to that gap. It is our strategy to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind.
‘’From e-commerce and logistics to branding, payment systems, and marketplace integration, BEEP 2025 will provide structured support that ensures every beneficiary is prepared to scale and succeed,’’ she said.
Harry who pointed out that BEEP is another training programme but a full-fledged empowerment ecosystem, expressed optimism that beneficiaries would lead to measurable goals such as expanded market access for Bayelsa-based businesses; greater participation of women and youth in the digital economy; robust increase in jobs and local production, and digitally enabled, entrepreneurial Bayelsa.
She allayed fears over favourtism in the selection process, stressing that business owners do not need to know any government official to be a beneficiary.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku, Obiyai, said the scheme demonstrates Diri’s unwavering commitment to transform the lives of the people.
‘’The programme aligns perfectly with the Prosperity Assured Agenda, which prioritises economic inclusion, youth and women empowerment, and sustainable development. The programme is a shining example of our administration’s determination to harness the potential of our people to growth and prosperity,’’ she stated.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Dr Ebieri Jones, said the Diri administration’s focus on boosting the entrepreneurial potential of the state has facilitated the opening of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in Yenagoa and also the creation of a business directory for business owners in the state.
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