… Reaffirms commitment to youth devt
BY FRANCIS ODUPUTE
BENIN CITY – The Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 (EYIF2025), themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future,” has seen the Edo State Government empower ten outstanding youth entrepreneurs with grants totalling millions of naira, while Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering the state’s young population.
The highlight of the event, held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, was the final stage of the “Hack the Future” grant competition, a flagship initiative of EYIF designed to identify, engage, and support exceptional youth-led businesses and ideas across Edo State.
Ten finalists emerged from a rigorous process of online applications, a mini-hackathon, and an incubation bootcamp before presenting their pitches at the forum.
Five finalists, Prince-will Okpe of Awa Farm, Joseph Origho of Crimson Care, Chidinma Aduba of Turbo Logistics, Oluchi Emmanuella Edozie of House of Smart Fun, and Dr. Iyere Efewongbe Great —received ₦2 million each in seed capital, while another five— Stephanie Eshophune Dare, Elizabeth Akhakomu Okisamen, Esosa Aimienoho, Judith Oghogho Ugbekile, and Onovae Pedro Ofejiro—were awarded ₦1 million each.
Governor Okpebholo, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the initiative was part of the administration’s SHINE agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic development.
He stressed that the state had commenced disbursement of the first tranche of a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme aimed at helping citizens, including youths, to create wealth and boost Edo’s socio-economic environment.
“Today is meant to give birth to dreams that will change the world,” the governor declared, urging youths to continue pursuing their ideas with courage until they become forces for positive change in the state, Nigeria, and beyond.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, encouraged the youths to focus on their talents, shun vices such as cultism and fraud, and contribute positively to their communities and academic pursuits.
APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel, in a goodwill message, called on young people to stay determined and committed, urging them not to let their ideas die.
He emphasised the importance of harnessing the potential of Africa’s youthful population to transform society.
EYIF Team Lead, Mr. Kizito Okpebholo, noted that the programme was the brainchild of Governor Okpebholo, aimed at preparing Edo youths for a competitive future.
The forum featured inspiring masterclasses led by experts including Metroman Goldie Iyamu, tech entrepreneur Oladapo Segun, and comedian MC Edo Pikin, who taught participants how to leverage social media for positive societal impact.
Attendees also benefited from engaging panel discussions and lectures on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the dangers of drug trafficking, with a presentation by the NDLEA Edo State Command.
Dignitaries present included Edo State Commissioners for Information, Education, and Mining Oil and Gas, members of the Edo State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, agency heads, and other top government officials.
