By: Adeyemi Elijah.
The Edo Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has urged young entrepreneurs in the state to embrace innovation, resilience, and creativity as catalysts for economic growth and development.
Idahosa gave the charge while addressing the 20 finalists of the second edition of the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF) Entrepreneurship Programme.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Gov. Monday Okpebholo-led administration to youth empowerment and human capital development.
He noted that young people remained critical partners in the state’s economic transformation.
He commended Gov. Okpebholo for prioritising youth-focused policies and programmes aimed at creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills, establish businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
According to him, the government is committed to creating an enabling environment where innovation, entrepreneurship, and private enterprise can thrive.
Idahosa also commended the organisers of the EYIF Entrepreneurship Programme for creating a platform to identify, nurture, and support young entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
He congratulated the 20 finalists for emerging from a competitive selection process, describing their success as evidence of their creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial potential.
The deputy governor noted that while only 10 finalists would emerge as beneficiaries of the startup grants and other business support, all participants should remain committed to their entrepreneurial pursuits.
He encouraged those who might not emerge as winners to see the programme as an opportunity to learn, build networks, and improve their businesses.
“The government alone cannot develop a country or a state. It is the private sector that creates jobs and drives economic growth.
“The ideas, innovations and vision displayed by these young entrepreneurs today clearly show that Edo State is positioning itself at the forefront of economic development in Nigeria,” he said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Finance, Investment and Revenue Generation and Convener of the EYIF, Hon. Kizito Okpebholo, said more than 200 young entrepreneurs applied for the programme.
Okpebholo said the applicants underwent a rigorous business incubation boot camp, from which 20 finalists emerged for the final stage of the competition.
He disclosed that N40 million had been earmarked to support outstanding participants, adding that 10 successful entrepreneurs would receive funding and other incentives to expand their businesses.
Idahosa assured the finalists that he would join Gov. Okpebholo at the grand finale of the programme to celebrate and reward the winners.
He expressed confidence that Edo youths would continue to distinguish themselves as entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders capable of contributing to the state’s development and Nigeria’s economic growth.
