Okpebholo Receives ‘City Boys’, Says Sustainable Development Depends On Yielding Platform To Youths To Lead, Innovate

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Thursday described the emergence of structured youth movements like the City Boy Movement as signalling a shift toward a more strategic and impactful participation of young people in governance.

The governor amplified his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, noting that sustainable development depended on giving youths the platform to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.

Strongly endorsing what he observed to be a structured, grassroots-driven leadership of the group, Governor Okpebholo noted that “only a city boy can truly build and brand a city”.

Speaking when he granted audience to the leadership of the City Boy Movement at the Government House in Benin City, the governor underscored the state’s commitment to youth-focused political mobilisation as well as reaffirmed his backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid.

The delegation was led by its Grand Patron, Seyi Tinubu, alongside key officials including the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Director-General of the movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shola.

Welcoming the group, Okpebholo praised their decision to launch their South-South regional tour in Edo State, describing it as a clear recognition of the state’s growing relevance in national political engagement.

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

“What I see here is a movement that is coordinated, organised, and driven by leadership. That alone gives me confidence that Nigeria’s future is in safe hands.”

The governor stressed that the emergence of structured youth movements like the City Boy Movement signalled a shift toward more strategic and impactful participation of young people in governance.

Drawing a connection between the movement and national leadership, Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for taking bold and decisive steps, particularly in the removal of fuel subsidy, an action he noted had eluded past administrations.

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

Reaffirming his administration’s political direction, the governor declared Edo State’s firm support for the president’s continuity.

He added, “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”.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Minister Olawande said the movement was designed to bridge the gap between leadership and young Nigerians, while ensuring that youths are strategically positioned in governance and nation-building.

He explained that the South-South tour, which began in Edo State, would serve as a rallying point to mobilise, inspire, and awaken young people across the region.

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

The visit marked a key moment in the movement’s nationwide mobilisation drive, positioning Edo State as a critical hub in advancing youth inclusion and strengthening the link between leadership and the next generation.