By Timipah Orusa
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Bayelsa State Coordinating Office, in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Committee on Export Promotion (BYSCEP) and key stakeholder Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), organized a one-day Export Awareness and 30% Value Addition Campaign roadshow to spark hope for non-oil growth across major streets of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The event, with the theme, “Wealth Creation and Empowering Bayelsa State through Non-Oil Exports,” featured a carnival-like procession marked by music, distribution of handbills, and direct engagement with traders, entrepreneurs, and residents. The roadshow aimed to sensitize the business community and the general public on the immense benefits of export trade, particularly the importance of achieving at least 30 percent value addition on products before export.
Speaking during the event, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Ebieri Jones, described the roadshow as the first of its kind in the state and expressed optimism that it would ignite greater interest in export activities.
“This initiative is designed to open the eyes of our people to the vast opportunities in non-oil exports. With proper value addition, we can create sustainable wealth and empower our citizens,” he said.
You Might AlsoLike
The NEPC State Coordinator, Mrs. Sylvia Adeneye, emphasized the Council’s commitment to supporting exporters through capacity building, market information, and policy guidance. She reiterated that value addition enhances product competitiveness in international markets and ensures higher returns for producers.
Also lending her voice, the President of Women Entrepreneurs in Export Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Mrs. Josephine Eneyi, noted that as a beneficiary of NEPC programmes, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of export-focused initiatives. She expressed confidence that the campaign would further boost export business participation, especially among women and small-scale entrepreneurs in the state.
The RMRDC state Coordinator, Mr. Timipah Orusa said Bayelsa State is long recognized for its oil wealth, and also endowed with abundant agricultural and other natural resources. He stressed that diversifying the production base away from crude oil is critical to fostering a market-oriented, private sector-driven economy. By adding value to products before export, he stated that the state can create jobs, stimulate industrialization, and increase internally generated revenue.
The procession, led by the Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment alongside the NEPC State Coordinator, commenced at the State Secretariat. Participants moved through Road Safety Road, Yenagoa-Mbiama Road, Ekeki Park, Azikoro Road, and the Isaac Boro Expressway before concluding at the Federal Secretariat Complex in Swali. Handbills were distributed as advocacy drive. The general public were enlightened on formation on export procedures, the significance of 30 percent value addition, and the economic advantages of tapping into the non-oil sector.
Many persons engaged during the exercise described the event as impactful and timely, particularly as Bayelsa seeks to reduce overdependence on oil revenues. With renewed awareness and stakeholder collaboration, the roadshow is expected to serve as a catalyst for increased export participation and sustainable economic growth in the state.
