The Edo State Government has officially launched the Edo Youth Impact Forum (EYIF 2025), along with a ₦10 million “Hack the Future” pre-seed funding grant. This marks a significant milestone in youth development and economic empowerment under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Set to hold on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, EYIF 2025 is the only gateway to access the highly anticipated grant. The forum is expected to gather over 1,500 in-person participants and more than 2,000 online attendees, including artisans, students, digital creators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across and beyond Edo State.
Governor Okpebholo, speaking about the initiative, said, “This is not just an event; it is a state-wide call to action. We are giving our youth a seat at the table and the resources to lead from the front. Our administration believes in the boundless potential of our young people, and EYIF 2025 is a testament to our commitment to their future.”
The EYIF 2025 grant will provide ₦2 million each to five selected youth-led ideas, focusing on impactful sectors such as Agriculture & Food Security, Education, Tourism & Arts, Skills Development & Youth Employment, and Clean Energy. Each idea will be judged by a distinguished panel based on originality, feasibility, scalability, and potential impact.
The event themed “Empowered Youth, Transformed Future,” promises more than just speeches. It includes a keynote by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, masterclasses on digital monetisation and vocational innovation, and a demo showcase of homegrown solutions to local challenges.
“This is a defining moment for every Edo youth,” said the state government. “Whether you’re a student with a vision, an artisan with an idea, or a startup founder needing support, EYIF 2025 was designed for you.”
Attending the forum is free, but registration is mandatory—both for the event and to qualify for the grant.
EYIF 2025 is being described as a “forum of firsts,” marking the first youth-centered initiative of this scale under Governor Okpebholo’s administration. Organisers have also confirmed full event logistics, including free shuttle buses for students, networking lounges, and branded zones aimed at making the experience interactive and rewarding.
The government has positioned EYIF 2025 as a long-term movement to shift youth from the sidelines to the frontlines of policy and innovation.
How to Apply
According to the official announcement, the grant application opened on June 2, 2025, and will close by June 20, 2025. Interested youths can apply at https://edoyouthimpactforum.com/grant-registration. The 10-day incubation program for shortlisted candidates will begin on June 21, with final winners announced during the forum on July 2.