Bayelsa State government through the Ministry of Women and Youth Empowerment has given grants to two hundred and ten entrepreneurs from various wards in the state.

The Women and Youth empowerment programme which began in February this year, is aimed at supporting small business owners in the state,

Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs Empowerment and Social Devrlopment, Mrs. Faith Opene, said the state government is committed to reducing poverty by promoting small and medium scale enterprise through geared programmes.

Mrs. Opene who urged beneficiaries to make good use of the cash and invest, said it was the first time all wards were benefiting at the same time, stressing that the ministry will monitor all businesses to ensure utilization.

Some of the beneficiaries Mr. Imoh Ingonabo, Mrs. Glory Williams and Kariyai Ingomunapagamoye who spoke with our reporter, appreciated the Governor Diri led administration for encouraging business owners, stating that the two hundred thousand naira will go a long way in expanding their businesses.

So far, over one thousand, four hundred persons have benefitted from the scheme and it will continue through the first tenure of the prosperity administration.