News
Zion Oshiobugie Appointed Senior Special Assistant to Edo State Governor
Benin City, Nigeria – June 2025
Renowned education advocate and youth mentor, Zion Oshiobugie, has been appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, a move widely celebrated by education stakeholders and youth-focused organisations both locally and internationally.
Zion’s appointment reflects a strong commitment by the new administration to overhaul the educational landscape and improve youth development policies across Edo State. Known globally for his transformational work in underserved communities, Zion brings a wealth of experience in educational innovation, safeguarding, and youth empowerment to this critical role.
Zion Oshiobugie’s life story is a remarkable journey of resilience, from once working as a domestic servant just to afford schooling, to becoming a transformative figure in education across Africa and the United Kingdom. His appointment signals a bold step towards innovation and equity in education for vulnerable and underserved populations in Edo State.
In 2017, Zion founded the Clever Minds Educational Foundation, a registered Nigerian NGO that operates two government-approved, tuition-free schools in slum communities. These schools currently provide quality education and daily meals to over 325 orphans and underprivileged children. Under his leadership, the foundation has graduated 115 children on full scholarships and established the first-ever STEM and Innovation Centre in Delta State, Nigeria.
Beyond classroom education, Zion has led campaigns for out-of-school children, championed youth development through grassroots mentoring, and leveraged community partnerships to build sustainable educational models. His foundation also runs agricultural and digital literacy programs, fostering both life skills and self-reliance.
Now based in the United Kingdom, Zion continues to expand his impact through Youth Visionaries CIC, a community interest company based in Milton Keynes. The organization supports 16–25-year-olds facing unemployment, mental health challenges, or social exclusion. Through creative arts, employability training, and digital media, the initiative builds safe, engaging spaces for young people to discover purpose and thrive. This appointment will now see him shuttle between the UK and Nigeria to fulfill his duties.
Zion’s work has directly impacted more than 10,000 youths across Africa and the UK through public speaking, conferences, radio mentoring programmes, and policy advocacy.
He is a recipient of numerous prestigious recognitions, including the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Award, YALI West Africa Fellowship, and the SDG Fellowship under His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II. He is also a certified UK educator, youth mental health first aider, and holds qualifications in education, project management, and digital marketing.
In his new role as Senior Special Assistant, Zion is expected to drive education policy reform, expand inclusive access to learning, and support the government’s agenda for school safety, skill-building, and innovation. His appointment underscores Governor Obaseki's commitment to bringing passionate, field-tested leaders into public service.
Reacting to the appointment, Zion said:
“This is more than an appointment—it’s a responsibility to ensure every child in Edo, no matter their background, gets a chance to dream, learn, and lead. I’m grateful to the Governor for this opportunity to serve and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of our children.”
With a personal vision to help 20 million African children access quality education by 2035, Zion’s new role offers a unique bridge between grassroots experience and government impact, a move that promises to ignite lasting change across the educational landscape of Edo State.
