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Question Girl (2)
Economy

Employment

Edo State is home to a vibrant and youthful population, but unemployment and underemployment remain among the greatest threats to its social and economic stability.

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What’s at Stake

The Challenge

Edo State is home to a vibrant and youthful population, but unemployment and underemployment remain among the greatest threats to its social and economic stability. Key challenges include:

  • High youth unemployment: Many graduates leave school without job opportunities, fueling frustration, migration, and crime.

  • Brain drain: Skilled professionals leave Edo for opportunities in Lagos, Abuja, or abroad.

  • Low industrial base: Weak investment in manufacturing and processing means limited jobs outside government and informal trade.

  • Agricultural decline: Despite fertile land, farming is poorly mechanized and not attractive to young people.

  • Mismatched skills: Education and training often do not align with market or industry demands.

If unaddressed, these problems will continue to erode public confidence, worsen poverty, and threaten peace and development in Edo State.

Our Commitment

GAF’s Plans for Solving Employment Challenges

The Gubernatorial Aspirant Forum (GAF) recognizes that meaningful employment is the foundation of prosperity. Our plans focus on job creation, skills development, and entrepreneurship support:

1. Industrial Growth and Investment

  • Establish industrial parks and SME clusters across Edo State.

  • Attract local and foreign investors by offering tax incentives and infrastructure support.

  • Promote value-added processing in agriculture (cassava, palm oil, rubber, cocoa).

2. Youth Empowerment and Skills Training

  • Launch state-wide vocational and technical training centers.

  • Partner with universities and polytechnics to align curriculum with industry needs.

  • Expand digital skills and ICT hubs to prepare youth for global remote work.

3. Agricultural Revitalization

  • Modernize agriculture through mechanization and agritech adoption.

  • Support youth agripreneurs with land access, credit facilities, and cooperatives.

  • Develop export-oriented agro-processing industries.

4. Entrepreneurship and MSME Support

  • Provide low-interest loans and grants to small businesses and start-ups.

  • Establish an Edo Business Incubation Program to nurture new enterprises.

  • Simplify state regulations to encourage ease of doing business.

5. Public Works and Infrastructure Jobs

  • Expand employment through road construction, housing, renewable energy, and ICT infrastructure projects.

  • Implement a labour-intensive public works program to absorb unskilled and semi-skilled workers.

6. Diaspora and Private Sector Partnerships

  • Create platforms for Edo diaspora professionals to invest and mentor local talent.

  • Forge partnerships with multinationals, NGOs, and donor agencies to fund employment projects.

Related Issues

Education Reform

Education Reform

What’s at Stake Every child in Edo State deserves quality education that prepares them not just to pass exams, but to thrive in life, innovate for tomorrow, and contribute to the progress of our society. To build an education system that not only prepares students for exams but equips them with the skills, creativity, and …

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Crime & Policing

Criminal Justice Reform

Reforming the police system to ensure professionalism, respect for human rights, and community trust. Mechanisms will be strengthened for independent oversight, ensuring that misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power are addressed transparently.

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Business & Taxation Next

Let’s Make It Happen

Real change starts with people like you — engaged, informed, and ready to take action. Whether you’re signing a petition, making a small donation, or simply sharing our message, your involvement moves us one step closer to a greener, safer, and more just future. Together, we can turn bold ideas into lasting impact.

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