Bayelsa Governor Grants ₦240m Interest-Free Loan to Woman Turning Plantain Stems into Hair Extensions
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved an interest-free loan of ₦240 million for Mrs. Tare Korumene, a 51-year-old entrepreneur who produces organic hair extensions from plantain stems.
The announcement was made at the launch of the Bayelsa E-Commerce Entrepreneurship Programme (BEEP), themed “Made in Bayelsa, Sold To The World.” Korumene’s innovative business, which converts agricultural waste into eco-friendly hair products, captured the governor’s attention during a live demonstration in Yenagoa.
“We have Brazilian hair made with chemicals. But now we have Bayelsa hair, made from plantain stems, using the full value chain of the plant,” Governor Diri said. “We will support you with a ₦240 million interest-free loan through Premium Trust Bank.”
The loan forms part of a ₦740 million package under BEEP, with ₦500 million also awarded to Winsome Dan-Adere to expand a plastic waste recycling venture.
Governor Diri noted that the initiative is designed to promote youth empowerment, job creation, and economic self-reliance. He also revealed plans for annual editions of BEEP, expanded ICT training, and steady electricity supply to boost business growth.
“This is our vision for Bayelsa youths — a shift from oil dependence to innovation-driven enterprise,” he said.
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