Benin City, Nigeria – The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering youth innovation and economic development, awarding a total of ₦15 million in grants to young entrepreneurs during the Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 (EYIF2025). Held under the theme “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future” at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the forum culminated in the exciting final stage of the flagship “Hack the Future” grant competition.
Setting the Stage: EYIF 2025
Organized by the Edo State Government, EYIF2025 serves as a critical platform to engage, educate, and empower the state’s vibrant youth population. The choice of the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, a known center for artistic and innovative expression, underscored the event’s focus on creativity and forward-thinking solutions. The forum brought together young minds from across the state, alongside policymakers, industry experts, and mentors, all converging to explore pathways to a more prosperous and sustainable future driven by youth-led initiatives. Governor Monday Okpebholo was present to articulate his administration’s unwavering support for youth empowerment as a cornerstone of the state’s development agenda.
The ‘Hack the Future’ Initiative
A key highlight of the forum was the final round of the “Hack the Future” grant competition. This initiative stands as a testament to the state government’s dedication to identifying and nurturing promising youth-led businesses. The competition, which had seen rigorous stages of selection, provided a platform for young innovators and entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas aimed at addressing local challenges and creating economic value.
The final stage at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub showcased the top talent, where ten finalists presented their well-developed business plans and prototypes to a panel of judges and attendees, vying for crucial seed funding.
Investing in Promising Ventures
The climax of the “Hack the Future” competition was the announcement and award of grants totaling ₦15 million. Ten finalists were celebrated for their innovative ideas and potential impact. Five standout entrepreneurs were awarded a substantial grant of ₦2 million each to scale their ventures. These recipients include Prince-will Okpe, founder of Awa Farm; Joseph Origho of Crimson Care; Chidinma Aduba, representing Turbo Logistics; Oluchi Emmanuella Edozie from House of Smart Fun; and Dr. Iyere Efewongbe Great.
Further demonstrating the state’s commitment to supporting emerging talent, the remaining five finalists were each awarded a grant of ₦1 million. These promising individuals are Stephanie Eshophune Dare, Elizabeth Akhakomu Okisamen, Esosa Aimienoho, Judith Oghogho Ugbekile, and Onovae Pedro Ofejiro. The diversity of the awarded businesses – spanning agriculture, healthcare, logistics, education/creativity, and other sectors – reflects the broad entrepreneurial landscape within Edo State and the competition’s goal of fostering innovation across various economic pillars.
Nurturing Talent and Knowledge
Beyond the grant competition, EYIF2025 provided invaluable learning opportunities through a series of masterclasses, lectures, and panel discussions. These sessions were designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills, industry knowledge, and critical insights necessary for business growth and sustainability. Esteemed experts such as Metroman Goldie Iyamu and Oladapo Segun led sessions, sharing their experiences and expertise. The forum also included a notable contribution from comedian MC Edo Pikin, adding an engaging perspective.
Crucially, the discussions went beyond entrepreneurship and innovation to address significant societal issues, including the critical challenge of drug trafficking, highlighting the forum’s holistic approach to youth development and community well-being.
Gubernatorial Vision for Youth
Governor Monday Okpebholo, addressing the forum, reiterated his administration’s focus on investing in the state’s human capital, particularly its youth. He emphasized that initiatives like “Hack the Future” and events like EYIF2025 are integral to the state’s strategy to create an enabling environment for young people to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. The governor underscored the belief that empowered youth are indeed the architects of a transformed future for Edo State.
Looking Ahead
The successful conclusion of the Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025, marked by the significant grant awards, represents a key milestone in the state government’s ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth through youth entrepreneurship. The investment in these ten businesses is expected to not only provide crucial financial support but also boost morale and inspire more young people in Edo State to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As these ventures grow, they are poised to create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the state, truly embodying the forum’s theme of “Empowered Youths, Transformed Future.”
