Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has said that his recent appointment of 4,800 Special Assistants from across the 195 political wards was to create opportunities for young people to participate in public service and grassroots governance.
He said it was part of his administration’s means to pursue youth engagement and employment initiatives,
The Edo Governor urged young people in the state to reject criminality, cultism, and violent acts
Governor Okpebholo, who urged the youths to embrace education, skills development, and entrepreneurship, said his administration was committed to creating opportunities for young people through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, and skills development.
He spoke in an address on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026.
Governor Okpebholo acknowledged challenges faced by young people, including unemployment, the rising cost of education, limited access to capital and the uncertainties associated with early adulthood.
Okpebholo tasked the youths not to allow the challenges to determine their future, saying, ‘Your present circumstances do not have to determine your future.
‘Youth can complement government efforts with determination, discipline, and a commitment to legitimate means of livelihood.
‘The government cannot do this alone. The future of Edo must be built with our young people, not merely for them.
‘There is honour in honest work. There is dignity in learning a trade. There is power in education, and there is lasting success in integrity,’ he said.
Governor Okpebholo said his administration was promoting youth employment through infrastructure projects, agricultural initiatives, and technology-driven ventures under its five development pillars of security, health, infrastructure, natural resources and agriculture, and education.