Bayelsa government, on Friday, concluded the disbursement of N168 million grant to 840 small business operators as part of its empowerment programme for women and youths across the state.

The beneficiaries got N200,000 grant each to strengthen businesses.

Speaking at the grant presentation, the Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs and Empowerment in the state, Faith Opuene, said the gesture was borne out of the need to encourage entrepreneurship among the people.

Ms Opuene said the beneficiaries were four, two males and two females, from each of the 105 political wards in all the eight local government areas of the state.

She said Governor Douye Diri had, in January, approved the increase of the number of beneficiaries from 210 to 420 monthly to reach more people.

According to her, the cash disbursement is for January and February, adding that the gesture fulfilled a pledge by the governor to support small business operators monthly till the end of his tenure.

Ms Opuene explained that the empowerment scheme was administered by a seven-member committee, which had already established a mechanism to ensure no beneficiary drew the cash more than once.

She said the biometrics of the beneficiaries were being taken before the disbursements to check multiple payments.

Emmanuel Inipanmo, a fish dealer who responded on behalf of other beneficiaries, applauded the Diri-led administration for the support and noted that growth was imminent.

(NAN)