By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, stating that young people in the state have been provided with tools and an enabling environment to thrive in their various fields.
The governor made this known on Wednesday at the 2025 Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF), themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future,” held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Umar Ikhilor, Governor Okpebholo said, “As a government, we are focused on empowering our youths with the right tools and creating an enabling environment for them to flourish in all they do. We have implemented strategies to support more young people and ensure they succeed in their chosen careers.”
He added that the programme aligns with the SHINE agenda of his administration, aimed at equipping youths to become agents of change.
“Through the Edo State Skills Development Agency, thousands of youths have been trained and empowered.
“We have also approved and commenced the disbursement of a N1 billion interest-free loan for Edo residents, including young entrepreneurs, to boost wealth creation and economic growth,” he noted.
Encouraging the youth to remain ambitious, the governor stated, “Today is about birthing dreams that can change the world. The skills agency has produced individuals who are now making significant impacts. I urge you to keep pushing your ideas and become the next big thing in Edo, Nigeria, and globally.”
Also speaking, the First Lady of Edo State, Edesiri Okpebholo, who serves as Coordinator of the programme, highlighted the administration’s dedication to youth development.
She advised young people to avoid cultism, fraud, and other vices, urging them instead to focus on innovation and positive contributions to society.
In his goodwill message, APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, urged the youth to stay determined and courageous, stressing that Africa’s youthful population presents a powerful opportunity for transformation.
He called on governments to harness youth talents and support their aspirations.
Team Lead of EYIF 2025, Kizito Okpebholo, revealed that the initiative originated from Governor Okpebholo and celebrated the success of the “Hack the Future Challenge,” which produced young millionaires.
Winners of the challenge; Dr. Iyere Great, Prince-Will Okpe, Joseph Origho, Chidinma Aduba, and Oluchi Edozie, each received N2 million in seed capital.
Five other finalists received N1 million each to support their innovative ideas.
The event also featured a masterclass session led by industry experts, including Goldie Iyamu (Founder/CEO, Metroman), Oladapo Segun (Founder, Kagan Tech), and popular comedian Jonathan Gbadamasi, a.k.a. MC Edo Pikin, who spoke on leveraging social media for societal impact.
Dignitaries at the forum included the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu; Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu; Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas, Andrew Ijegbai; members of the Edo State House of Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, and other top government officials.
