‘Cephas Yakubu’s emergence as council chairman proves Okpebholo’s youth inclusion agenda’
The emergence of Rt. Hon. Cephas Yakubu, as Acting Chairman of Etsako Central Local Government Council, has been cited as clear proof of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s youth inclusion agenda.
Yakubu’s emergence follows the impeachment of the council’s former executive chairman and vice chairman over allegations of gross misconduct.
Yakubu assumed office in January 2025 after the constitutional process that reshaped the council’s leadership, ushering in what stakeholders describe as a new phase built on youth, competence and service delivery at the grassroots.
In a statement signed by Elias Inaede, Immediate Past APC Publicity Secretary of Etsako Central Local Government Area, Yakubu, the youngest Local Government Council Chairman in Edo State and Nigeria, was described as having justified the confidence reposed in him through purposeful leadership that aligns with the governor’s SHINE Agenda.
The statement said Yakubu’s emergence has restored public confidence in local governance, adding that his leadership has brought renewed hope and optimism to residents of Etsako Central Local Government Area.
“His emergence has brought renewed hope and joy to the people of Etsako Central Local Government Area.” the statement read in parts.
Born on September 5, 1995, into the Yakubu family of Anegbette town in South Uneme Clan, Cephas Yakubu’s rise, according to the statement, is anchored on a solid educational and professional background, beginning with his early education in Anegbette and culminating in a degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
He later gained valuable managerial and human resource experience working with Dynamic Construction Company and as a Hotel Manager in Lagos.
Driven by passion for service and community development, he ventured into politics and was elected Councillor representing Ward 9, where he was unanimously chosen as Leader of the Etsako Central Legislative Arm.” the statement read in parts.
His tenure as legislative leader was said to have been marked by unity, effective leadership and broad-based support from colleagues.
Since assuming office as Acting Chairman following the impeachment, Rt. Hon. Yakubu has focused on building bridges of unity across communities while delivering tangible grassroots development.
His administration has recorded notable achievements, including the construction of a block of six classrooms, 30 open market stalls, installation of an industrial power borehole, and reconstruction of the council abattoir.
In the health sector, his people-oriented leadership has been evident through impactful medical outreach programmes. Notably, Etsako Central Local Government received recognition as the best Local Government in HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention, an award that underscores his administration’s commitment to public health and wellbeing.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu has also distinguished himself as a worker-friendly chairman, ensuring prompt payment of salaries and arrears, while promoting improved security, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Within just one year in office, his visible records of achievement and inclusive governance have earned him widespread acceptance and trust. Rt. Hon. Cephas Yakubu stands today as one of the finest Local Government Chairmen Etsako Central has produced and a clear testament to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision of empowering young people to lead and deliver.
