In a resonant signal of commitment to youth-led innovation, the Edo State Government hosted the climax of the Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 (EYIF) at the prestigious Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub. Under the theme “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future”, this edition shone a powerful spotlight on the transformative potential of young entrepreneurs, as ten founders walked away with substantial grants to scale their ventures.
Table of Contents
A Vision in Action: “Hack the Future” Brings Dreams to Life
The crowning moment of the forum was, without doubt, the gripping “Hack the Future” pitch finale. Launched earlier in the year as a cornerstone of EYIF, this initiative challenged participants through rigorous online applications, a dynamic mini‑hackathon, and an incubator bootcamp—preparing finalists to present polished, scalable business ideas.
Governance and investment converged in the Governor-led event. Governor Monday Okpebholo, unable to attend in person, was ably represented by Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, his Secretary to the State Government. In a stirring address, Ikhilor reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment—rooted in its SHINE agenda—to expand youth opportunities, entrepreneurship, and the State’s socio-economic progress.
Ten Trailblazers, Millions in Funding
The grants awarded represent both recognition and uplift. Five winners—Prince‑will Okpe (Awa Farm), Joseph Origho (Crimson Care), Chidinma Aduba (Turbo Logistics), Oluchi Emmanuella Edozie (House of Smart Fun), and Dr. Iyere Great—each received ₦2 million to scale their high-impact solutions. Another five innovators—Stephanie Eshophune Dare, Elizabeth Akhakomu Okisamen, Esosa Aimienoho, Judith Ugbekile, and Onovae Pedro Ofejiro—received ₦1 million apiece.
These grants aren’t just prizes—they’re targeted seed investments to spur innovation, to bring entrepreneurial ideas from concept to market, and to generate sustainable jobs across Edo State.
Empowerment, Loans & a Call to Dream Big
Governor Okpebholo, reaffirmed through Ikhilor, announced that the State has begun disbursing the first tranche of a ₦1 billion interest‑free loan scheme, open to citizens, including aspiring young entrepreneurs. This bold move underpins the broader economic strategy to transform vision into prosperity.
“Today is meant to give birth to dreams that will change the world,” the governor declared, urging youths to leverage this initial boost to persistently pursue ideas capable of uplifting communities, not just across Edo, but nationwide.
Mentorship, Messaging & Masterclasses
EYIF 2025 was more than financial awards; it was a roundtable of mentorship, awareness and inspiration. The First Lady’s Office, led by Edesili Anani Okpebholo, encouraged young participants to channel their talents positively and embrace patriotism over negative influences like cultism and fraud.
Complementing this vision, APC National Youth Leader Dr. Dayo Israel delivered an impassioned call to action, urging young innovators not to allow their potential to fade. He highlighted the importance of a youth demographic that can reshape Africa’s course through innovation.
Unpacking the Forum’s Wider Impact
Building Competitive Edge
Kizito Okpebholo, EYIF’s Team Lead, emphasised that the initiative was an inventive project of Governor Okpebholo aimed at preparing youths for a future laden with opportunity and competition. The forum delivered rich, multi-sector content—panel discussions, tech masterclasses, and civic dialogue designed to build both entrepreneurial skills and societal awareness.
Speakers to Inspire
The forum featured standout personalities:
- Metroman Goldie Iyamu, a business strategist whose masterclass bridged ambition and execution.
- Techpreneur Oladapo Segun, who led aspirants in understanding how digital platforms can elevate social-change projects.
- MC Edo Pikin, whose workshop taught participants how creativity and comedy can carry messages and build brands.
Topics ranged from social media strategy to the risks of narcotics, with the NDLEA Edo State Command addressing the latter in an eye-opening session.
Official Support on Display
High-level representation underscored the state’s dedication, from Commissioners for Information, Education, and Mining to the State House of Assembly members and agency heads. Their presence symbolised a multi-level commitment to youth success.
Why EYIF 2025 Is a Game‑Changer
| Impact Area | Significance |
|---|---|
| Targeted Funding | Grants to 10 entrepreneurs fuel scalable business ideas and local job creation. |
| Loan Access | ₦1B interest‑free loans create accessible pathways to wealth generation. |
| Skill & Mindset | Workshops equip young leaders with leadership, tech and civic awareness. |
| Integrated Support | Holistic approach: funding + training + mentorship + civic engagement. |
| Youth as Stakeholders | Involving youths in policy and development builds ownership and transformation. |
Next Steps: What’s on the Horizon?
- Follow-Up Support: Tracking grantee progress will be crucial, ensuring the ₦2M and ₦1M infusions lead to viable enterprises.
- Programme Expansion: Future editions could open access to more participants, deeper themes, and broader geographical reach.
- Sector Integration: Connecting EYIF initiatives with Edo’s broader economic master plan—like dredging projects, creative hub development, and infrastructure—could amplify impact.
- Community Engagement: Graduates of the forum should anchor local ecosystems, mentoring others and elevating community-wide growth.
Final Word
EYIF 2025 does more than reward entrepreneurship—it rewires what young innovators in Edo see as possible. Through a strategic mix of mentorship, financial support, and systemic backing, Edo State is building an ecosystem where motivated youths can test ideas, scale businesses, and drive community growth.
In a world driven by youthful creativity, EYIF 2025 grant empowerment represents a thoughtful investment in tomorrow’s leaders—those who will transform Edo, Nigeria, and perhaps beyond.
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