The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has stated that his administration has implemented strategies to support youths and empower them to thrive in their chosen fields.

The governor disclosed this at the 2025 Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF) with the theme: “Empowered youths transformed future”, which was held at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, Airport road in Benin City, Edo State on Wednesday.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to Edo State Government (SSG), Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, said: “As a government, we have a strong inclination towards empowering our youths and giving them the necessary tools and creating the enabling environment for them to thrive in all they do.

“This program is a testament to the SHINE agenda of our administration in the State. Our administration is empowering our youths to go out and make things happen, as this is the beginning of greater things to come.

“As a government, we are doing a whole lot to support the youths and empower them through the Edo State Skills Development Agency, and thousands of people have been trained.

“The governor approved an interest-free loan for Edo people, including the youths, and this move is part of empowering our people to create wealth and improve the socio-economic environment of the State. Disbursement of the first trench of the N1 billion loan has commenced.”

The governor commended the various speakers and experts who conducted the master’s class for the youths, as they began giving back to society.

He said, “Today is meant to give birth to dreams that will change the world, and the skills agency has successfully created individuals who have gone out to do greater things.

“I encourage the youths to continue to push their ideas and someday become the big things that happen to the state, country and world at large.”

Other guests at the event include the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu; the Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu; the Commissioner for Mining, Oil, and Gas, Andrew Ijegbai; members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA); Permanent Secretaries; heads of agencies; and others.