Okpebholo Flags Off South-South’s Biggest Youth Empowerment Forum

In a bold move to deepen youth inclusion and economic empowerment in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced plans for the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF 2025), scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Benin City.

The event, themed “Empowered Youth, Transformed Future,” is projected to be the largest youth gathering in the South-South region, drawing over 1,500 participants physically and 2,000 virtual attendees. The forum will convene young entrepreneurs, artisans, students, policymakers, tech innovators, and thought leaders for a full day of interactive sessions, capacity-building workshops, and empowerment programs.

Announcing the event, Governor Monday Okpebholo described EYIF 2025 as a landmark platform to reposition Edo’s youth as active stakeholders in the state’s transformation.

Among the event’s highlights is a keynote address by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, addressing youth inclusion and opportunities within the digital economy. There will also be a robust panel session featuring accomplished founders, policymakers, and sector leaders discussing practical pathways for scaling businesses and creating sustainable enterprises.

In addition, participants will have access to hands-on masterclasses covering business design, digital monetization, vocational innovation, and content creation.

A major feature of the forum will be the unveiling of the “Hack the Future” Grant, a ₦10 million pre-seed funding initiative targeting innovative, youth-led projects in critical sectors such as:

Agriculture and Food Security

Basic Education

Culture, Tourism and the Arts

Skills Development and Youth Employment

Waste Management and Clean Energy.

Under the scheme, five promising youth-led ideas will receive ₦2 million each. Applications for the grant have officially opened and will close on June 20, 2025. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a 10-day incubation program culminating in a competitive pitch session, with winners announced at the forum.

According to the organizing committee, entries will be judged by a panel of seasoned professionals based on originality, impact potential, feasibility, and scalability.

The event is free to attend, though pre-registration is mandatory for both participants and grant applicants via the official website, www.edoyouthforum.ng.

EYIF 2025 is expected to deliver a highly engaging atmosphere, with dedicated networking lounges, branded engagement zones, and free campus shuttle services for students.

Described as a “Forum of Firsts and a Movement for the Future,” it marks the first state-wide youth forum under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and is positioned to become a landmark initiative in Southern Nigeria’s empowerment landscape.

At a time when many young Nigerians are seeking hope and opportunity, EYIF 2025 sends a clear message that Edo State is investing decisively in its youth population.