The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Bayelsa State Government, has launched the Economic Revitalization Programme in Bayelsa State targeting over two thousand Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, Start-Ups and Informal Businesses
Presenting the cheque of 200,000,000 to the State Governor, team leader of UNDP, Joyce Oboru, said the programme was aimed at mitigating the adverse current socioeconomic challenges by enhancing the resilience and growth of MSMEs.
Oboru, also noted that the programme adopted the use of unconditional cash transfers, business capacity building and mentoring while targeting vulnerable businesses and individuals in the agricultural sector.
The team leader further said the Economic Revitalization Programme focused on supporting women – owned and youth-owned businesses, specifically in the agriculture, and food processing value-chain.
Oboru, who noted that reviving the economy was not an easy journey, however, assured of a positive outcome, with support from relevant stakeholders like the UNDP, and its partners.
Responding, Governor Diri, commended UNDP for complementing his administration’s efforts and reiterated the Government’s commitment to providing support to the people affected by the socio-economic challenges.
Governor Diri, asserted that the launch of the programme will contribute to reducing the level of poverty among citizens and help vulnerable families to meet their immediate needs.
The State helmsman also thanked UNDP for the initiative, and and expressed the hope that the programme will help complement government efforts in deploying assistance to SMEs, vulnerable groups in the State.
