Governor Okpebholo empowers youths at Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025, disburses N1bn loan, and rewards innovative talents at the ‘Hack the Future Challenge’
Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 (EYIF) took centre stage on Wednesday as Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering young people across the state.
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The forum, themed “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future”, was held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City and brought together hundreds of young innovators and stakeholders.
Represented by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Barrister Umar Ikhilor, Governor Okpebholo noted that the state government has not only prioritised youth empowerment but has also put strategic measures in place to ensure that Edo youths thrive in their chosen fields.
“As a government, we have a strong inclination towards empowering our youths. We’ve created the enabling environment and equipped them with the tools needed to succeed,” the governor said.
He highlighted the SHINE agenda of his administration, adding that thousands of young people have been trained through the Edo State Skills Development Agency.
He also revealed that a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme had commenced disbursement, with youths among the primary beneficiaries.
“This initiative is to help Edo people, especially the youths, to create wealth and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state,” he added.
Governor Okpebholo expressed optimism that the forum would birth ideas capable of transforming the state and beyond.
“Today is meant to give birth to dreams that will change the world. I urge our youths to continue pushing their ideas because they hold the key to a better future for Edo and Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, Edesili Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, stressed that the administration recognises the importance of youths and continues to support their growth and aspirations.
She urged them to avoid cultism, fraud, and other vices, and instead focus on education, innovation, and community development.
The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, delivered a motivational speech, encouraging young people to remain determined and courageous.
He reminded the audience that Africa’s biggest asset is its youth population and called on the government to harness their potential to drive national development.
A key highlight of Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 was the “Hack the Future Challenge”, where innovators pitched ideas for seed funding.
Five winners — Dr. Iyere Great, Prince-Will Okpe, Joseph Origho, Chidinma Aduba, and Oluchi Edozie — each received N2 million to implement their projects. Five other finalists also received N1 million each as support capital.
Kizito Okpebholo, Team Lead of EYIF 2025, disclosed that the Hack the Future Challenge was conceived by the governor to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in the state.
The forum also featured a masterclass session led by top industry professionals.
Notable speakers included Metroman Goldie Iyamu, tech entrepreneur Oladapo Segun, and content creator MC Edo Pikin (Jonathan Gbadamasi), who shared insights on digital influence, innovation, and content creation as tools for positive societal change.
Other dignitaries present included Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, Commissioner for Education Paddy Iyamu, and Commissioner for Mining, Oil and Gas Andrew Ijegbai, alongside members of the Edo State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, and heads of key government agencies.
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As Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 came to a close, the message was clear: the Okpebholo-led government is not only investing in roads and structures but also in the human capital that will define Edo’s future.
