By Hon Desmond Ugbo
The Edo Youth Empowerment Program, themed “Advance,” hosted by the Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation at the Cathelea Event Centre in GRA, Benin City, Edo State, has empowered Edo youths with over 20 million Naira.
The program, organized to empower Edo youth, was graced by the presence of prominent leaders, including the Honourable Minister For Youths (State) Mr. Ayodele Olawande, The President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Osahon Airhunmwunde CEO of Playhouse Event Center, and many other leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state, such as Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, State Party Secretary Engr. Lawrence Okah and the DG of APC Governorship Campaign Council in the State, Senator Matthew Urhoghide.
Notably, Senator Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the youth-friendly APC gubernatorial candidates, were also in attendance, underscoring their deep respect and commitment to empowering the youth and recognizing their crucial role in shaping Edo State.
One of the recipients of the youth empowerment grant, Ms. Harriet Onankhinon, expressed her gratitude on her Facebook verified page, stating, “I received an instant transfer of 200k from @Ushbebe comedian at an event hosted by Dr. Paddy Foundation. I am a proud shoemaker!” She promised to mobilize her friends and associates to vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo as the next Governor of Edo State.
Furthermore, popular Nigerian comedian and musician Mr. Maleke Idowu commended the organizers, stating, “Dr. Paddy Emmanuel Foundation is getting it real in the city of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The youth empowerment program is with a different approach. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Earlier, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) endorsed the APC Governorship Candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa as NANS’s consensus candidates for the Edo 2024 Gubernatorial Election. The NANS President, speaking on behalf of over 40 million Nigerian students, praised Okpebholo’s exceptional passion for education and his contributions to the development of education, even before his political career.
The highlights of the event were the empowerment of Edo youths with the sum of 20 million Naira and the formal endorsement of the Governorship candidature of Senator Monday Okpebholo by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
