“Edo Youths Are Equipped To Shape The Future” Gov Okpebholo Declares At 2025 Impact Forum

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, declaring that the state has equipped its young population with the tools and environment necessary to thrive across various sectors.

Speaking during the 2025 Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF), held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Umar Ikhilor highlighted the state’s strategic investments in young people as central to the SHINE Agenda of his administration. bhad bhabie of leaked

“With deliberate intent, we are empowering Edo youths to go out and make things happen,” he said. “This programme is more than an event it is a launchpad for future changemakers. Through the Edo State Skills Development Agency, thousands have been trained, and more are being empowered.”

One of the administration’s flagship initiatives is a newly approved N1 billion interest-free loan scheme, targeted at supporting Edo people especially youth in building businesses and creating jobs. Disbursement of the first tranche has already commenced.

“This is how we build a stronger socio-economic future,” the governor added. “We’ve created an enabling environment for young people to dream, create, and excel.”

Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edesili Okpebholo, urged youths to take charge of their future by identifying their strengths and avoiding social vices.

“Youths must shun cultism, fraud, and other destructive behaviors. Instead, channel your energy into meaningful ventures and the development of our society,” she said.

The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, delivered a stirring address, calling on Nigerian youths to be courageous in the face of adversity. “Africa’s greatest asset is its youth. Let’s harness this strength and turn ideas into global solutions.”

In his remarks, EYIF 2025 team lead, Kizito Okpebholo, said the programme was born out of Governor Okpebholo’s vision and had already begun yielding results. He cited the Hack the Future Challenge, which produced five winners who each received N2 million in seed funding for their innovative ideas.

Another five finalists received N1 million each to further develop their pitches.

The forum featured a dynamic masterclass session, led by creative industry experts such as Goldie Iyamu, CEO of Metroman; Oladapo Segun, tech entrepreneur and content creator; and Jonathan Gbadamasi, popularly known as MC Edo Pikin, who shared insights on using social media for positive impact.

Government officials and dignitaries present included 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, and several permanent secretaries and agency heads.