From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Government has restated its commitment to youth empowerment, unveiling new initiatives aimed at equipping young people with the skills, capital, and mentorship required to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, through his representative and Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, made this known on Wednesday at the 2025 edition of the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF), held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City.
Themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future”, the annual event brought together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to engage young people on entrepreneurship, digital skills, and civic leadership.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that youth development remains central to his SHINE Agenda, noting that targeted programmes like EYIF are critical to building a resilient, youth-led economy in Edo State.
“We are determined to give our youths the platform and support they need to shape their futures. Through training, access to capital, and mentorship, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous Edo,” he said.
The governor also announced the disbursement of the first batch of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small and medium-scale enterprises, with young entrepreneurs identified as key beneficiaries. He cited the work of the Edo State Skills Development Agency, which has already trained thousands of youths in digital and vocational trades.
In her remarks, Mrs Edesili Anani Okpebholo, who coordinates the Office of the First Lady, urged participants to remain focused on self-improvement, steering clear of destructive behaviour. “Cultism, fraud, and violence have no place in your future. Take advantage of the platforms the government is providing to become solution providers,” she advised.
National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Dayo Israel, delivered an impassioned address encouraging young Nigerians to be audacious and proactive. “Africa’s greatest resource is not beneath the ground — it is in its people, especially the youth,” he said, calling on governments across the continent to invest more deliberately in the younger generation.
One of the forum’s standout segments was the “Hack the Future Challenge”, which saw 10 youth-led enterprises compete for seed funding. Five top finalists — Dr Iyere Great, Prince-Will Okpe, Joseph Origho, Chidinma Aduba, and Oluchi Edozie — walked away with ₦2 million each. Another five received ₦1 million to support and scale their business ideas.
Kizito Okpebholo, Team Lead for EYIF 2025, said the forum was a direct result of Governor Okpebholo’s vision to harness the creativity of Edo’s youth. “This is not just an event — it’s a movement to reframe how young people see themselves in the development equation,” he said.
Participants also benefitted from expert-led masterclasses by tech entrepreneur Oladapo Segun, media personality Metroman Goldie Iyamu, and popular comedian MC Edo Pikin, who spoke on leveraging digital platforms for visibility and income generation.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Information Commissioner Paul Ohonbamu, Education Commissioner Paddy Iyamu, and Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, Andrew Ijegbai, as well as lawmakers and senior civil servants.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
