BAYELSA: Three Young Entrepreneurs Get N3m Empowerment Grants at Niger Delta MSME Programme
By Paul Ebi
YENAGOA — In a bold push to deepen youth entrepreneurship and economic growth, the Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) initiative on Wednesday disbursed N3 million business support grants to three young business owners in Bayelsa State.
The event, now in its fifth edition and themed “Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers for Sustainable Growth and Innovation,” took place in Yenagoa.
The beneficiaries — Ochuko Richard, CEO of Dear Consultant; Blessing Asokomeh, CEO of Tak Hair Academy; and Ala Vanessa, CEO of Ala Gaps — each received one million naira starter packs to boost their enterprises.
Governor Diri Charges Youth on Innovation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Nimibofa Ayawei, urged entrepreneurs to tap into knowledge-driven innovation to survive in a rapidly changing global economy.
He said the world population of 7.5 billion was placing immense strain on dwindling natural resources, making creativity and smart work essential tools for survival.
Tracing the evolution of industrial revolutions, Mr. Diri noted that the current era — powered by artificial intelligence, the internet, and biotechnology — would only reward those who create order amid chaos.
> “The Bayelsa government has been supporting MSMEs in recent years to foster the culture of entrepreneurship,” he said.
Siasia: Real Wealth Lies in Impact
Founder of the Niger Delta MSMEs and Chairman of the Heritage Group, Moses Siasia, stressed that true wealth was not measured in possessions but in the capacity to uplift lives.
He revealed that the programme has provided over 650 business grants across the region, creating more than 20,000 jobs and steering youths away from crime and drug abuse.
> “These young people hold the keys to the future, and the destiny of the region lies in their hands,” Siasia said.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to remain committed to transforming the Niger Delta through productive work, calling on stakeholders to unite in support of youth-led innovation.
A Region Banking on Entrepreneurship
With the federal government and financial institutions partnering in the initiative, the Niger Delta MSME scheme continues to position youth as pivotal drivers of economic expansion and social stability.
As the three new grant winners begin a fresh phase in their entrepreneurial journey, the message resonating from the event is unmistakable — the future of the Niger Delta will be shaped not by oil, but by ideas.
