City Boy Movement storms Edo, set for official launch

Edo is set to host a major youth-driven political mobilisation as the City Boy Movement, a support group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prepares for its official launch amid growing national expansion.

The founder of the movement, Seyi Tinubu, arrived in Benin on Thursday to a rousing reception by youths and supporters at the Benin Airport, marking the South-South leg of the group’s National Youth Tour.

Shortly after his arrival, Tinubu led members of the delegation on a courtesy visit to the Edo State Government House, where they were received by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The Nigerian Tribune gathered that the official launch of the movement in the state is scheduled for Friday, April 24, and will feature youth empowerment programmes.

ALSO READ: Southern monarchs meet in Port Harcourt, back national development agenda

The City Boy Movement, a youth-based platform, has been gaining traction nationwide, focusing on mobilising, educating, and empowering young Nigerians in support of the current administration.

Speaking during the visit, Governor Okpebholo strongly endorsed structured, grassroots-driven leadership, declaring that “only a city boy can truly build and brand a city.”

He commended the group for choosing Edo State as the starting point of its South-South tour, describing the decision as a recognition of the state’s strategic importance in national political engagement.

“You have not made a mistake coming to the South-South and choosing Edo State. I am happy to receive you,” the governor said.

Okpebholo noted that the emergence of organised youth movements signals a shift towards more impactful youth participation in governance, expressing confidence in the future of the country.

Drawing a link to national leadership, he praised President Tinubu for taking bold decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said previous administrations failed to implement.

“What others could not do, Asiwaju has done. Without chaos, he took that bold decision, and today the country is positioning itself for greater economic stability and growth,” he stated.

Reaffirming his administration’s stance, the governor declared Edo State’s support for Tinubu’s second-term bid.

“For us in Edo, the decision is clear—we have already endorsed him for a second term. We are proud to align with a movement that reflects vision, structure and purpose,” he added.

Earlier, Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, said the movement aims to bridge the gap between leadership and young Nigerians, while positioning youths for active roles in governance and nation-building.

He explained that the South-South tour, beginning in Edo, is designed to mobilise and inspire young people across the region.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; and APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, among others.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the movement’s nationwide mobilisation drive, positioning Edo as a key hub for advancing youth inclusion and strengthening engagement with the next generation.