Governor Monday Okpebholo’s youth-inclusion policy in Edo State continues to shape leadership at the grassroots, with the emergence of young professionals into key positions of public responsibility under his SHINE Agenda

One of the latest outcomes of this policy is the emergence of Rt. Hon. Cephas Yakubu as Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Area, following the impeachment of the council’s former Executive Chairman and Vice Chairman over allegations of gross misconduct

Yakubu was sworn in after the conclusion of the constitutional process, ushering in what political observers describe as a new phase of youth-driven governance in the local government.

Mr. Elias Inaede, Immediate Past Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako Central Local Government Area, in a statement, described Yakubu’s emergence as a practical reflection of Governor Okpebholo’s deliberate policy of opening governance space to young people with capacity and integrity.

Inaede said Yakubu, who was born on September 5, 1995, is the youngest Local Government Chairman in Edo State, adding that he has demonstrated administrative competence and commitment to grassroots development since assuming office.

He hails from Anegbette town in South Uneme Clan and attended Imiava Primary School and Anegbette Secondary School before obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, in 2019.

Before venturing into politics, Yakubu gained private-sector experience with Dynamic Construction Company and later worked as a hotel manager in Lagos, experiences said to have strengthened his leadership and management skills.

His political career began at the grassroots, where he was elected Councillor representing Ward 9 and later emerged as Leader of the Etsako Central Legislative Arm, a role in which he reportedly promoted unity and legislative cooperation.

Since emerging as Chairman, Yakubu has prioritised unity, workers’ welfare, and service delivery, aligning his administration with the broader youth-empowerment vision of the Okpebholo government.

Projects executed under his administration reportedly include the construction of a block of six classrooms, 30 open market stalls, the installation of an industrial power borehole, and the reconstruction of the council abattoir.

In the health sector, Etsako Central Local Government recorded notable success in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention, earning recognition as the best-performing local government in the category.

Inaede added that Yakubu has ensured the prompt payment of salaries and arrears while promoting improved security, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among residents.

Observers say Yakubu’s leadership style and early achievements have earned him growing acceptance across the local government, reinforcing the narrative that Governor Okpebholo’s youth-inclusion policy is translating into tangible leadership outcomes at the grassroots level in Edo State.