Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has urged youths in the state to reject criminality, cultism and violence and instead embrace education, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as pathways to a better future.
The governor made the call on Tuesday in his message to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, acknowledging the challenges confronting young people, including unemployment, rising education costs, limited access to capital and the uncertainties associated with early adulthood.
Okpebholo, however, urged youths not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future.
“Your present circumstances do not have to determine your future,” the governor said.
According to him, his administration is committed to creating more opportunities for young people through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security and skills development.
He said government efforts must be complemented by 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,” Okpebholo said.
The governor warned youths against cultism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, describing such activities as destructive paths rather than shortcuts to wealth.
“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.
Okpebholo also disclosed that his administration had continued to implement youth engagement and employment initiatives, including the appointment of 4,800 Special Assistants, with 25 drawn from each of the state’s 192 wards.
He said the initiative was designed to provide young people with opportunities to participate in public service and grassroots governance.
The governor further 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.
“You are not leaders only of tomorrow. You are stakeholders in Edo today,” Okpebholo said, urging youths to channel their creativity, talents and energy towards the development of the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to acquire skills, establish businesses and contribute meaningfully to Edo State’s economic and social development.
