The Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has called on young entrepreneurs in the state to deploy innovation, creativity and resilience in building businesses that can contribute to economic growth.

Idahosa made the call while speaking to the 20 finalists of the second edition of the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF) Entrepreneurship Programme.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remained committed to empowering young people through policies and programmes designed to enhance their skills, promote entrepreneurship and develop human capital.

He described youths as important stakeholders in the state’s efforts to achieve sustainable economic transformation, noting that their ideas and entrepreneurial initiatives could play a significant role in creating jobs and expanding the state’s economy.

Idahosa commended Governor Okpebholo for placing youth development among the priorities of his administration, particularly through initiatives that provide young people with opportunities to acquire skills, establish businesses and become economically productive.

He said the state government would continue to pursue policies capable of providing a conducive environment for innovation, private investment and entrepreneurship to flourish.
The Deputy Governor also praised the organisers of the EYIF Entrepreneurship Programme for providing young entrepreneurs with an avenue to develop their ideas, strengthen their businesses and access support.

Congratulating the 20 finalists on making it to the final stage after a competitive selection process, Idahosa said their emergence demonstrated the level of creativity, determination and business potential among young people in Edo State.
He, however, urged all the finalists to remain focused on their entrepreneurial ambitions, stressing that only 10 participants would eventually benefit from the startup grants and other forms of business support under the programme.
According to him, participants who do not emerge among the beneficiaries should not consider the outcome a setback, but should take advantage of the experience to acquire knowledge, establish useful 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, disclosed that over 200 young entrepreneurs had submitted applications for the programme.
Okpebholo explained that the applicants were subjected to a rigorous business incubation boot camp, after which 20 entrepreneurs were selected to proceed to the final stage.
He said the state government had set aside N40 million for the programme, with 10 outstanding entrepreneurs expected to receive funding and additional incentives to enable them scale up their businesses.
Idahosa assured the finalists that he would be present alongside Governor Okpebholo at the grand finale to celebrate the participants and reward the eventual winners.
He expressed optimism that young people in Edo would continue to excel in entrepreneurship, innovation and business leadership while playing a greater role in the economic development of the state and the country.

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