Patron of the City Boy Movement, Seyi Tinubu, has said the organisation has transformed from a campaign platform into a nationwide movement focused on national development, youth participation and citizen engagement.
Speaking at the opening dinner of the City Boy Movement National Retreat in Abuja, Seyi Tinubu told participants that the group now represents a network of Nigerians committed to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening grassroots involvement in governance.
According to a statement issued on Monday by Otega Ogra, Deputy Director-General for Media, Communications and Public Affairs, Seyi Tinubu described the retreat as the beginning of a new phase for the organisation.
“This is more than just the opening of a retreat. It is the beginning of a movement,” he said, commending members who travelled from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to attend the event.
He praised their commitment, noting that their participation reflected a spirit of sacrifice and service that is essential for effective leadership. Seyi Tinubu added that the City Boy Movement had evolved into “a national network of committed patriots” dedicated to mobilising volunteers, encouraging youth participation in governance and promoting democratic values.
However, he cautioned members against complacency, insisting that the organisation still had much to accomplish.
“Our greatest victory is still ahead of us. This retreat is not a celebration of yesterday; it is preparation for tomorrow,” he said.
Addressing the policies of the current administration, Seyi Tinubu argued that President Bola Tinubu inherited significant economic and security challenges but had introduced reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, strengthening public finances, improving infrastructure, boosting agriculture and enhancing security.
While acknowledging the hardship many Nigerians continue to face, he urged members of the movement to engage citizens with empathy and factual information.
“This movement must become not simply about defending government, but about reconnecting Nigerians with government,” he added, calling for stronger engagement at the grassroots level, including in communities, schools, markets and local government areas.
Also speaking at the retreat, Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Shoga, disclosed that the organisation was targeting 10 million youth votes for President Tinubu in the next general election through sustained grassroots mobilisation.
He stressed that achieving such a goal would require more than social media campaigns, urging members to build a disciplined and results-oriented structure capable of educating citizens about government policies.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, challenged young Nigerians to become active participants in governance and national development, while Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, praised the movement for promoting patriotism and civic responsibility.
The retreat brought together leaders, coordinators and members of the City Boy Movement from across the country to review its activities and strengthen strategies for grassroots mobilisation ahead of future political engagements.
