Edo Government Empowering Youths for Self-Sufficiency — Gov Okpebholo

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, pledging to provide young people across the state with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive in their various fields of endeavour.

Governor Monday Okpebholo made this known on Wednesday during the 2025 edition of the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF), held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport Road, Benin City. Themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future,” the event brought together young innovators, government officials, and private sector players to chart a course for youth-driven socio-economic growth.

Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, the Governor said his administration has prioritized youth empowerment under its SHINE Agenda, creating a conducive environment and implementing policies designed to help young people unlock their potential.

“As a government, we have a strong inclination towards empowering our youths and providing the necessary tools and enabling environment for them to thrive,” he said. “This programme is a testament to that resolve, and the beginning of greater things to come.”

Okpebholo highlighted the activities of the Edo State Skills Development Agency, which he said has successfully trained thousands of young people, equipping them with relevant skills for modern enterprises. He also disclosed that his administration recently commenced the disbursement of the first tranche of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme targeted at residents, including youths, to help them grow businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The Governor commended the facilitators of the masterclass sessions at the forum, praising them for “giving back to society” by sharing knowledge and encouraging youths to pursue their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.

Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, also addressed the gathering, urging youths to shun negative influences such as cultism, internet fraud, and violence, and instead focus on talent discovery, innovation, and self-development.

“The government recognises the importance of our youths and has continued to invest in programmes like this to help them attain success in their fields,” she said.

In his goodwill message, APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, encouraged the youths to remain determined, courageous, and resilient in the face of challenges. He urged African leaders to tap into the continent’s enormous youth population by creating more opportunities for young people to flourish.

The event also featured a Hack the Future Challenge, where ten finalists pitched business ideas for seed grants. Dr. Iyere Great, Prince-Will Okpe, Joseph Origho, Chidinma Aduba, and Oluchi Edozie each received ₦2 million as startup capital, while five other finalists received ₦1 million each to support their entrepreneurial initiatives.

Earlier, EYIF 2025 Team Lead, Kizito Okpebholo, explained that the concept for the forum originated from Governor Okpebholo as part of his administration’s drive to harness youth potential for economic growth.

The forum featured masterclasses led by industry experts including Metroman Goldie Iyamu, tech entrepreneur Oladapo Segun, and popular comedian Jonathan Gbadamasi, aka MC Edo Pikin, who took participants through sessions on using social media for social impact and entrepreneurial growth.

Other dignitaries at the event included Edo State 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 heads of government agencies.

The forum concluded with an appeal to young people to take ownership of their future by building on the opportunities provided and transforming their idea’s into impactful ventures.