You know, there are days you just feel it in your bones that something important is happening, something that’s not just talk but actual, tangible change. July 2nd, 2025 was one of those days for me. I was right there, in the vibrant energy of the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, covering the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF 2025).
This wasn’t just another conference; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of Edo youth, a bold vision unfolding right before our eyes, all under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s determined leadership.
EYIF 2025 was about “Empowered Youth, Transformed Future”. It brought together the brightest minds in tech, fashion, entertainment, business, even policy. We are talking masterclasses that genuinely taught you something, hackathons that felt like a glimpse into tomorrow, and panel discussions that were so real, so human.
Governor’s pledge – Putting Edo youth at the centre
Let’s be frank, when a new Governor comes into office, there’s always a bit of wait and see, isn’t there? Senator Monday Okpebholo, since he resumed his position, has been crystal clear. Edo youth are not just a demographic; they are the heartbeat of the state’s progress.
He has been championing this vision where young people are not just seen but heard, not just included but centred. His focus on revitalising the economy, pushing digital inclusion, reforming education, and creating jobs, and it all sends a loud message: Edo’s future rests squarely in the hands of its young people.
I remember when Umar Musa Ikhilo esq., the Secretary to the State Government, spoke on behalf of Governor Okpebholo. He reiterated that commitment, and you could feel the sincerity.
He said, “Our young people are not just the future, they are the now. We must invest in them, trust them, and create systems that allow them to thrive.”
After seeing the sheer scale and quality of EYIF 2025, that vision truly came alive.
Learning from the best – Masterclasses that actually mattered
The day kicked off with these fantastic masterclass sessions. You know how sometimes these things can be a bit generic!
The masterclass focused on the issues that really matter to young Nigerians today. Digital skills, the creative industries, and vocational empowerment.
Digital masterclass – Kagan Tech
The digital masterclass with Kagan Tech, a name many of us in the digital space know, was truly phenomenal. Oladapo O. Segun (Kagan Tech), an incredible tech storyteller, just broke down how young Nigerians can actually build systems, get authority in their chosen niches, and use digital platforms to scale their ideas.
He talked about everything from personal branding, which is everything these days, to time blocking and client management. His message was simple: “Solve problems for people, bring solutions to people.” It makes you think – doesn’t it? – about how you can actually make a difference with what you know.
Creative masterclass – MC Edo Pikin
Then, the energy shifted with the creative masterclass led by MC Edo Pikin, Jonathan Gbadamasi. This man, his vibrancy, his artistic prowess. He inspired everyone in that room to use art, comedy, and storytelling not just to entertain, but to educate and provoke thought.
As a true son of Edo, he hammered on the point that creatives shouldn’t just aim to entertain; they should strive to uplift, unite, and even challenge society with their talent. It was a powerful reminder of the role art plays in change.
Vocational masterclass – Goldie Iyamu
For those looking at tangible skills, the vocational and lifestyle masterclass by Goldie Iyamu was a real gem. As the founder of Metroman, Goldie lyamu brought this rich, nuanced perspective on fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Drawing from his decade-long marketing career and deep cultural roots, Goldie’s session was all about building sustainable African brands that honour our heritage while still making a mark on the global stage. It wasn’t just about making clothes; it was about telling a story through them, and that’s something truly special.
Inspiring voices: Keynotes and real impact stories
The energy continued with the keynote addresses. Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Party Leader, delivered a powerful speech that really resonated. He urged the youth to truly embrace their identity and purpose.
His words struck a chord, reminding everyone there that “That pain, that challenge, that opposition, those things that you are crying about are not happening by accident, it’s because you are carrying a great future.”
It reminded us that every struggle has a purpose, and that resilience isn’t just a word; it’s the very birthplace of leadership.
The emotional moment continued during the impact stages, where speakers like Yanmo Omorogbe and Dr Osasuyi Dirisu shared their personal journeys. Yanmo, who co-founded Invest Bamboo, emphasised the crucial idea of starting local and then scaling globally.
Her message was pure gold. “The goal is not trying to look smart, but to serve well. Trust is your currency, build it!” Honestly, that’s a lesson for anyone, in any field.
Then there was Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre. This woman, with four academic degrees, including a PhD from Leeds, and alumni stints at Harvard and Oxford.
She is brilliant but her focus wasn’t just on her achievements; it was on inclusive innovation, especially for women and other marginalised communities. Her perspective was a powerful reminder that true progress leaves no one behind.
The panel: From hustle to scale – discussions for entrepreneurs
The panel session titled “From Hustle to Scale: Building Sustainable Youth-led Enterprises”, was one of my favourite parts. It featured seasoned entrepreneurs who didn’t just talk theories; they shared real, relatable stories about building from the ground up. You could feel the authenticity in their voices.
We had Dr Enahoro Okhae, the CEO of GIG Mobility (GIGM), a household name, right? Then there was Juliet Nsikan, CEO of House of JulyetPeters, and Kunle Williams, CEO of Tetracore Energy.
Kagan Tech (Oladapo O. Segun) was back on the panel, too. The whole thing was brilliantly moderated by Sulaiman Aledeh, the MD of Edo Broadcasting Service, who kept the conversation flowing and insightful.
From Juliet’s invaluable wisdom on the absolute necessity of having a business plan and setting proper structures – her words, “Have a business plan first, not capital,” really stuck with me – to Enahoro’s powerful push for action, “Start first, then grow,” the session was packed with grounded, practical insights. It was exactly what young entrepreneurs, hungry to move from just having a vision to actually creating value, needed to hear.
The Hack the Future Grant Competition
Now, if there was a beating heart to EYIF 2025, it was undoubtedly the Hack the Future Grant Competition. This wasn’t just some token gesture; it was an ambitious initiative designed to actually fund the top 10 youth-led business ideas from across Edo State.
It was a rigorous process, let me tell you. It started with online applications, then came mini-hackathons, and then an intense four-day bootcamp where these young innovators honed their ideas. From that, the 10 finalists were chosen.
They pitched their solutions and then, on the big day, July 2nd, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Umar Musa Ikhilo esq., the SSG of Edo State, awarded the top 5 businesses a whopping ₦2 million each, while the remaining 5 received ₦1 million each, all thanks to the generous sponsorship from Tetracore Energy.
Let me introduce you to these incredible young visionaries:
₦2 million winners:
Dr. Iyere Efewongbe Great – Dockintor.com: Imagine a multilingual health consultation platform that connects users directly to care before they even have to rush to a hospital. That’s Dockintor.com.
Dr. Iyere’s vision is to bridge the gap between people and healthcare, making it more accessible and proactive, especially with the language barrier removed. A genuine game changer for many.
Joseph Origho – Crimson Care: This one truly blew me away. Joseph developed an AI-powered emergency blood matching and delivery system. Think about it, in critical situations, every second counts.
Crimson Care aims to drastically cut down the time it takes to find compatible blood, potentially saving countless lives. It’s innovation with a truly human heart.
Prince-Will Okpe – Awa Farm: This idea is just brilliant in its simplicity and impact. Awa Farm is a farm-sharing platform that links idle landowners with aspiring farmers, all backed by legal agreements. It tackles land underutilisation and unemployment simultaneously, giving young people a chance to engage in agriculture sustainably. It’s smart, practical, and rooted in community.
Oluchi Emmanuella Edozie – House of Smart Fun: Oluchi aims to create educational kits specifically tailored for children aged 2–5. These aren’t just toys; they promote hands-on developmental learning, making education fun and interactive from a very young age. It’s about building a strong foundation for our youngest learners.
Chidinma Aduba – Turbo Logistics: Logistics is very important in a country like Nigeria. Chidinma’s Turbo Logistics is an eco-friendly, electric-bike powered logistics service with real-time tracking, based right here in Benin. It’s efficient, modern, and conscious of our environment.
₦1 million winners (sponsored by Tetracore Energy):
Judith Oghogho Ugbekile – JD Culinary Academy: Beyond just cooking, Judith’s NABTEB-accredited culinary school has a special focus on food therapy. It’s about understanding food not just for taste, but for health and wellness – a unique and vital niche.
Onovae Pedro Ofejiro – Peesoft Football Academy: We all know the passion Nigerians have for football. Onovae’s grassroots football programme focuses not just on skills but also on discipline, education, and holistic sports development. It’s about building character as much as it is about building champions.
Stephanie Eshophune Dare – Everything Health: This initiative is truly heart-warming. Stephanie’s Everything Health brings regular medical checks directly to senior citizens in underserved rural areas. It addresses a critical need, ensuring our elders receive the care they deserve, often where access is difficult.
Esosa Aimienoho – MamCare: For expectant mothers, having reliable support is invaluable. Esosa’s MamCare is a mobile health companion using SMS, app, and voice support. It’s a brilliant way to provide crucial information and emotional support, ensuring healthier pregnancies and births.
Elizabeth Akhakomu Okisamen – The Savoury Hub: Who doesn’t love cake? Elizabeth’s Savoury Hub offers affordable, healthy cakes tailored for both those with a sweet tooth and the diet-conscious. It’s about indulgence without guilt, catering to a wider audience with a thoughtful approach.
These young visionaries were not just given money; they were given a platform, a validation of their ideas, and, most importantly, hope.
As Kizito Okpebholo, the team lead for EYIF 2025, introduced the finalists, he reminded us all that “These businesses are not just ideas; they are solutions rooted in our communities.” That is the essence of true impact.
Check out https://edoyouthimpactforum.com/
Dignitaries and a day to remember
The event was graced by some very important personalities. We had Senator Monday Okpebholo (represented by Umar Musa Ikhilo, esq, Secretary to the State Government), and it was truly special to see the Crown Prince of Benin, Ezelekhae Ewuare.
Prof. Edoba Omoregie, SAN, the VC of the University of Benin (represented by Prof. C. C. Osuboh), and Hon. Paddy Iyamu, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, amongst others were present, showing the government’s full support.
Mrs Edesili Okpebholo Anani, PA to the First Lady’s Office, was also there. Hon. Paddy Iyamu’s quote about the governor, “Gov. Okpebholo looks for square parts and fixes them in square holes,” really captured that hands-on, effective leadership style.
The evening wrapped up on a beautiful, soulful note with a performance by Johnny Drille. His music, coupled with the emotional closing remarks – speechless!
The whole event was flawlessly led by the Master of Ceremonies, Favour Osaro, an award-winning journalist and correspondent with Independent Television & Radio. She brought not just professionalism but a genuine heart to the occasion, reminding everyone why stories like these truly matter.
Legacy in motion – This is just the beginning for Edo
The Edo Youth Impact Forum 2025 was far, far more than just a programme; it was a movement. It showed what happens when a government genuinely invests in its young people, and when communities come together, truly rally, to uplift bold and innovative ideas. Real change, lasting change, happens.
I left feeling so optimistic. You heard it on so many participants’ lips, that quote, “Preparedness meeting opportunity is how you get lucky.” That’s exactly what was happening in Edo that day.
The youth aren’t just passively waiting for the future; they are actively hacking it, building it, scaling it and, believe me, this is just the beginning for Edo.
If Edo can do this, what’s stopping other states from empowering their own youth in the same way?
