Tinubu Praises City Boy Movement, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended youth support groups for backing his administration’s reform agenda, pledging to sustain efforts to empower young Nigerians and promote their inclusion in governance and national development.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Monday, October 19, 2026, when he received members of the City Boy Movement and other youth support groups at the State House.

The President acknowledged the role of the groups in communicating government policies, mobilising grassroots support and promoting the administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, particularly during the implementation of major economic reforms.

He specifically cited the removal of the fuel subsidy, currency reforms and the restructuring of the tax system, noting that young Nigerians had remained engaged in national affairs despite the challenges associated with the policies.

Tinubu commended the City Boy Movement and the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria group for their efforts in mobilising supporters and explaining the administration’s policies to Nigerians at the grassroots.

He described the City Boy Movement’s organisational structure, which includes community engagement initiatives and a presence across states, local governments and wards, as an example of organised youth participation in politics.

The President also praised young members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, for their involvement in party activities and grassroots mobilisation.

He assured young Nigerians that they would continue to have opportunities to participate in the party’s political activities, government and national development efforts.

Highlighting his administration’s youth empowerment initiatives, Tinubu mentioned the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Credit Corporation of Nigeria (CREDICORP) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

According to him, the initiatives are designed to expand young Nigerians’ access to education, credit facilities and digital skills needed to compete in the global economy.

Tinubu also urged his supporters to embrace peaceful and lawful political participation ahead of the January 16 elections, calling on them to mobilise eligible voters and encourage citizens to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He stressed that political engagement should be based on ideas, constructive dialogue and peaceful mobilisation rather than violence.

The President further commended his son, Seyi Tinubu, who serves as patron of the City Boy Movement, for establishing and organising the group, urging him and other young Nigerians to deepen their commitment to public service.

Shettima, Abbas, Barau Praise Youth Mobilisation

Speaking at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima said Tinubu’s decision to confront Nigeria’s longstanding economic challenges had helped prevent a deeper crisis that could have resulted from delaying critical reforms.

Shettima acknowledged the economic pressures Nigerians had experienced, expressing optimism that the sacrifices would translate into improved livelihoods and greater opportunities.

He also credited Tinubu’s leadership with strengthening political cooperation and accommodating diverse interests, while commending First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for her contributions to national development.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, praised the City Boy Movement for its organisation and commitment to national development.

Abbas said the movement could significantly contribute to the President’s political mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections if it maintained its momentum.

He also advised the group to incorporate the legislative achievements of the Tinubu administration into its artificial intelligence-driven platform to improve its responses to questions from Nigerians.

Similarly, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau expressed surprise at the movement’s use of technology and artificial intelligence to gather data and mobilise support.

He urged other organisations to emulate the group’s technology-driven approach.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, also commended Tinubu for investing in young Nigerians and providing mentorship opportunities.

City Boy Movement Targets 4.8 Million Members

Earlier, the Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, disclosed that the organisation had registered 4.8 million members in its database.

Shoga said the movement, which operates under the slogan “Inform, Engage, Inspire,” was committed to promoting patriotism, responsible political participation and the administration’s achievements.

He added that the organisation intended to transform its membership into a platform for leadership development and community service.

Also speaking, the Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, Ahmed Bala, said the group was targeting 10 million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Bala maintained that the administration’s reforms had placed the country on the right trajectory and assured the President of continued support from Nigerian youths.