A group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST), has clarified that the honor received by Seyi Tinubu at the first annual youth summit and empowerment program in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was from a civilian organization and not the military.
This clarification comes in response to ongoing criticism of the moment Seyi Tinubu received a salute from the quarter guard upon his arrival at the event.
In a statement signed by its President, Tai Manuel, the group stated that Seyi Tinubu was greeted with a ceremonial quarter guard salute by the Community Auxiliary Development & Effective Transformation Network (CADETN), a civilian organization committed to community development and youth engagement.
According to the statement, the event was organized by the City Boy Movement, a group of which Tinubu is both the founder and grand patron. The group added that the honor was not solely accorded to Seyi Tinubu but was also extended to other dignitaries present at the event.
The statement emphasized that the guard of honor given to Seyi Tinubu was not reflective of military practices but was a symbolic gesture by a civilian organization to show respect and appreciation for his contributions to youth empowerment.
The group further noted that during the event, Seyi Tinubu supported youth-oriented initiatives and presented grants to young tech innovators in the state.
“The Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) wish to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the ceremonial honor accorded to Mr. Seyi Tinubu during his visit to Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“The event in question was organised by the CityBoy Movement, Ogun State chapter, with the theme “Renewed Hope Agenda: A Concrete Foundation for a Prosperous Nigeria.”
As the founder and grand patron of the CityBoy Movement, Seyi Tinubu attended to support youth-oriented initiatives and presented grants to young tech innovators in the state.
“Upon his arrival, Seyi Tinubu was greeted with a ceremonial quarter guard salute by the Community Auxiliary Development & Effective Transformation Network (CADETN), a civilian organization committed to community development and youth engagement.
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“It is important to clarify that CADETN is not affiliated with the Nigerian Armed Forces, and their ceremonial salutes are civilian gestures of respect, not military protocols.
“This has been further emphasized by CADETN’s corps commander, Mr. Josh Fatoye, who stated that similar honors were extended to other dignitaries at the event, including the personal assistant to the president on special duties, the minister of youth development, the minister of digital economy, and senior presidential aides.
“ We acknowledge that the video of the salute has generated significant public debate, with some raising concerns about the propriety of such an honor.
“However, it is vital to differentiate between ceremonial acts by civilian groups and formal military traditions.
“The guard of honor presented to Seyi Tinubu was not a reflection of military practices but rather a symbolic gesture by a civilian organization to show respect and appreciation for his contributions to youth empowerment.
“Those attempting to create unnecessary uproar over this incident are clearly not acting in the interest of the country but are more focused on stirring controversy.
“It is evident that some individuals are unhappy with the progress and recognition of another person and are using this opportunity to detract from the positive impact of the event. Instead of engaging in baseless criticisms and unnecessary distractions, we urge these individuals to channel their energy toward making meaningful contributions to the betterment of Nigeria.
“At a time when the country needs collective effort to address pressing challenges, divisive rhetoric and actions do little to move us forward.
“Seyi Tinubu remains deeply committed to promoting initiatives that uplift Nigerian youth and contribute to national development. His attendance at the Abeokuta event was solely to further these objectives. It is worth noting that he had no prior involvement in the planning or execution of the ceremonial activities conducted by CADETN.
“The Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) stand firmly behind his efforts to champion youth empowerment and foster progress in Nigeria.
“It is our hope that this clarification will address any misconceptions and reinforce Seyi Tinubu’s unparalleled dedication to the service of our nation.
“We call on all Nigerians to focus on unity and progress rather than attempting to diminish the accomplishments of others.
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