Seyi Tinubu, patron of the City Boy Movement, has declared that the organisation has grown far beyond its origins as a campaign vehicle. He insisted it now functions as a countrywide movement dedicated to driving national progress and deepening citizen participation.
Speakers at the movement's national retreat in Abuja called for stronger community-level engagement, expanded youth involvement and continued backing for government reforms. They urged members to serve as active promoters of President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu addressed participants at the opening dinner held at the State House on Monday night. He told the gathering that the retreat marked far more than a routine gathering.
"This is the beginning of a movement," he said according to a statement from Otega Ogra, deputy director-general of media, communications and public affairs. "It is men and women choosing to dedicate their time, energy and talents to serving Nigeria and advancing the Renewed Hope vision."
The patron commended delegates who had travelled from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to attend. He described their journey as proof of their commitment to something larger than themselves.
"You travelled from every corner of our nation not because anyone forced you, but because you believe in a cause greater than yourselves," Tinubu told them. "That spirit of sacrifice defines true leadership."
He characterised the City Boy Movement as a "strong family foundation, a national network of committed patriots and a symbol of resilience, loyalty and purposeful engagement." Members had mobilised volunteers, encouraged young people to engage in governance and promoted democratic values, he noted.
Yet Tinubu warned against allowing complacency to take hold. "We have only scratched the surface of what we came together to accomplish," he stressed.
"Our greatest victory still lies ahead of us. This retreat is not about celebrating the past; it's about preparing for the future," he added.
Tinubu acknowledged that President Tinubu's administration inherited severe economic and security difficulties. The government has since rolled out ambitious policies to stabilise finances, rebuild public resources, expand infrastructure, draw investment, back farming, bolster security and lift education standards, he explained.
Recognising that many Nigerians continue to feel the weight of these reforms, Tinubu called on members to explain government decisions with both facts and compassion. "Many reforms have demanded hard choices, and many Nigerians continue to bear their burden," he said.
"But progress is beginning to show. Our engagement must be responsible, grounded in truth and deeply compassionate," he added.
Tinubu pushed members to ramp up grassroots work in wards, local councils, marketplaces, universities and villages. "This movement must be about reconnecting Nigerians with their government, not simply defending it," he insisted.
Francis Shoga, the movement's director-general, revealed plans to deliver 10 million youth votes to President Tinubu in the upcoming general election. He said sustained grassroots mobilisation would drive this target.
