The City Boy Movement has intensified efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and youth participation ahead of the next general election, declaring its ambition to deliver 10 million youth votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while expanding public support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The renewed political push formed the focus of discussions at the opening of the City Boy Movement National Retreat in Abuja, where leaders of the organisation called on members to become active ambassadors of the Federal Government’s reform agenda through sustained community engagement and issue-based advocacy.
Speaking at the opening dinner held at the State House, the Patron of the movement, Seyi Tinubu, said the City Boy Movement had evolved beyond being a campaign platform into a nationwide network committed to nation-building, youth empowerment and democratic participation.
“This is more than the opening of a retreat. It is the beginning of a movement. It is the coming together of men and women who have chosen to dedicate their time, energy and talents to the service of Nigeria and the advancement of the Renewed Hope vision,” he said.
Seyi Tinubu commended members who travelled from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, describing their commitment as evidence of selfless leadership and dedication to national development.
According to him, the movement has grown into “a strong family foundation, a national network of committed patriots and a symbol of resilience, loyalty and purposeful engagement,” with members playing active roles in mobilising volunteers, encouraging youth participation in governance and promoting democratic values.
He, however, urged members not to relent, stressing that the movement’s biggest achievements still lie ahead.
“We have only scratched the surface of what we have come together to accomplish. This retreat is not a celebration of yesterday; it is preparation for tomorrow,” he stated.
On the Tinubu administration’s reforms, Seyi Tinubu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited significant economic and security challenges but had introduced bold policies aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening public finances, improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture, attracting investment, enhancing security and reforming the education sector.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians were still adjusting to the effects of the reforms, he urged members to engage citizens with empathy, facts and responsible communication.
“Our engagement must be responsible, factual and compassionate. This movement must become not simply about defending government, but about reconnecting Nigerians with government,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, unveiled the organisation’s ambitious target of mobilising 10 million youth votes for President Tinubu in the next general election through structured grassroots engagement.
“Ten million votes will not come from slogans or social media. They will come from real people, real members, real engagement and hard work at the grassroots,” Shoga said.
He called on members to build a disciplined and results-oriented political organisation capable of educating Nigerians on government policies while strengthening support across communities nationwide.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, described nation-building as a collective responsibility and praised the City Boy Movement for promoting patriotism, national unity and responsible citizenship.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike to delivering improved infrastructure, enhanced security, quality public services and environmental renewal in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, urged young Nigerians to take active roles in governance and leadership, saying the country’s future depends on harnessing the creativity, innovation and energy of its youth population.
“It is time for everyone in this country to hear the voice of the youth,” he said.
The retreat brought together the movement’s national leadership, state coordinators and members from across the federation to review organisational activities and strengthen strategies for grassroots mobilisation, civic engagement and political participation.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Co-Patron of the City Boy Movement, Kashim Shettima Junior, appreciated members, guests and stakeholders for their commitment to the movement’s ideals. He described the City Boy Movement as “the biggest youth political movement in Africa” and urged members to remain united and committed to expanding its grassroots reach in support of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and national development.