N’Delta MSME empowers three entrepreneurs with N3m grants

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (NDMSME) on Wednesday awarded business support grants to young entrepreneurs in Bayelsa.

The fifth edition of the grant initiative, titled Enhancing the Role of MSMEs as Drivers for Sustainable Growth and Innovation, was held at Pee’s Hub, Opolo, in the Bayelsa State capital, Yenagoa.

Ochuko Richard, CEO of Dear Consultant; Blessing Asokomeh, CEO of Tak Hair Academy; and Ala Vanessa, CEO of Ala Gaps, each received a start-up package of one million naira to help grow their businesses.

Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, who represented Governor Douye Diri, stated that with the world’s population at approximately 7.5 billion, the earth’s resources are diminishing, meaning things are becoming increasingly challenging, and only those who act and work smart will thrive.

Ayawei traced the historical trajectory of industrial revolutions and noted that the current era is driven by knowledge, artificial intelligence, the internet, and biotechnology, among other innovations.

He explained that only people who can create order amid chaos will survive, urging entrepreneurs to be intentional in creating such order in their businesses.

Ayawei added that in recent years, the Bayelsa government has been supporting MSMEs to foster a culture of entrepreneurship.

Mr Moses Siasia, Chairman of the Heritage Group and founder of Niger Delta MSMEs, said wealth is not determined by the amount of money or material possessions one has, but by the number of lives one can touch.

Siasia noted that he has empowered many young business owners across the Niger Delta over the years.

He explained that the feat was achieved through partnerships and collaborations with the Federal Government’s interventions and bank loans to support youths in entrepreneurship.

“We have given over 650 grants to support young businesspeople across the Niger Delta. These 650 businesses we supported have created over 20,000 jobs for our people.

“These ordinary men and women might have otherwise joined social vices or become involved in drug abuse,” Siasia said.

He stressed that young people hold the key to the future, noting that the destiny of the region lies in their hands.

He urged them to continue working constructively to drive the change needed in the Niger Delta, calling on all hands to be on deck.