Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has launched the Diri Digital Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme (DDEEP), an ambitious ICT-based initiative to train 8,000 beneficiaries across the state’s eight local government areas. The programme equips participants with essential Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Governor Diri emphasises that youth entrepreneurship and empowerment are central to achieving and sustaining prosperity in Bayelsa State, moving away from dependence on political handouts. His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted him as saying he is confident DDEEP will produce self-reliant individuals who will become future employers of labour, tapping into the vast opportunities in the ICT sector that drive the global economy.
The governor officially launched the programme with 50 participants in its first batch. Reflecting on the launch, he noted that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need for digital adaptation, even for those unfamiliar with technology, and reinforced the importance of preparing Bayelsa to keep pace with global ICT developments. The programme focus areas are Website Development, Mobile Application Development, Computer Networking, Mobile Phone Repairs and Computer Hardware Maintenance.
As part of his administration’s ICT development strategy, Governor Diri pledged to complete the ICT Innovation Centre initiated by the previous administration, transform it into a technology hub, and renovate and equip ICT centres in all eight LGAs. Over the next four years, the programme will train 1,000 youths from each local government area, working toward the vision of making Bayelsa the ICT capital of Nigeria.
During the passing-out ceremony for Batch “A” graduates at the Harold Dappa Biriye Conference Hall, Golden Tulip Hotel, Onopa, Yenagoa, 50 youths completed their training and received starter packs to begin their entrepreneurial journey. The event also flagged off the second batch, involving 150 shortlisted candidates with at least a school certificate and a passion for ICT. Governor Diri urged both graduates and new trainees to seize the opportunity, conduct themselves responsibly, and serve as ambassadors of Bayelsa in the emerging digital economy.
In his welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Communication, Science and Technology, Dr. Promise Ekio, described the programme as a catalyst for economic growth and praised the governor for his unwavering support. He highlighted that digital technology is essential for modern development and that mobilising youths through ICT skills training will strengthen the state’s economy.
Professor Ebitimitula Etebu, Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University and Chairman of the occasion, stressed the global importance of ICT and noted that many of today’s millionaires are ICT entrepreneurs. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Samuel Gambo, South South Zonal Coordinator of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), commended the programme’s vision and urged the state to sustain it.
Prominent dignitaries, including Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku Obiyai, Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly; Barr. Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles Onyema, Head of Service of Bayelsa State; Dr. Peter Akpe, Acting Chief of Staff, Government House; and HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, AGADA IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, joined other top government officials at the ceremony.
