Tinubu Commends Youth Support Groups, Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment And Inclusive Governance

Tinubu Commends Youth Support Groups, Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Inclusive Governance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Nigerian youths and youth support groups for supporting his administration’s reform agenda, while reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment, political participation and inclusive governance. The President made the remarks on Monday, October 19, during a gathering of young supporters under the City Boy Movement at the State House in Abuja. The event brought together youth organisations, political supporters, government officials and lawmakers to discuss youth participation, national development and the administration’s policies. According to a statement from the Presidency, Tinubu acknowledged the role of youth support groups in communicating government policies, mobilising grassroots support and promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President recognised the contributions of the City Boy Movement, Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, and other youth organisations operating across Nigeria and among Nigerians in the diaspora. He commended the City Boy Movement for establishing a grassroots organisational structure and community engagement initiatives, including City Boys Care. He also praised the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria group for communicating the administration’s policies and explaining its reform programmes to Nigerians. Tinubu said young supporters had continued to engage with national issues during the implementation of major economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy, currency reforms and changes to the tax system. He acknowledged that these policies had generated challenges for Nigerians but thanked the groups for remaining active in public discussions about the administration’s direction. The President also praised young members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, for their participation in party activities and grassroots mobilisation Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through education, access to credit, digital skills and participation in public service. He highlighted several government initiatives intended to support these objectives, including

• Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND): A programme designed to improve access to higher education through student loans.
• Credit Corporation of Nigeria (CREDICORP): An initiative aimed at expanding access to consumer credit.
• Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT): A programme focused on developing digital and technical skills among Nigerians.

The President said young people needed access to the resources, training and opportunities required to participate meaningfully in the economy and compete in the global labour market. He also stressed that youth inclusion should extend beyond empowerment programmes to positions of responsibility in government, political organisations and national development. Tinubu commended the City Boy Movement for developing a nationwide network and engaging young people at community level. He praised its reported structures across states, local government areas, wards and polling units, as well as its use of community outreach and communication platforms to interact with supporters. The President also acknowledged the role of his son, Seyi Tinubu, who serves as patron of the movement, in establishing and organising the group. He encouraged Seyi and other young Nigerians to deepen their involvement in public service and community engagement. Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, said the organisation had registered 4.8 million members in its database. He pledged that the movement would continue to promote civic participation, patriotism and engagement with the administration’s development agenda. Meanwhile, Ahmed Bala, Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, said the group intended to mobilise 10 million votes for Tinubu in the 2027 general election. The figure represents the organisation’s stated target, not a confirmed electoral outcome. Vice President Kashim Shettima said the administration’s economic reforms were intended to address longstanding structural challenges, while acknowledging the pressures Nigerians had experienced during their implementation. He expressed confidence that the reforms would create opportunities for improved livelihoods and economic development. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also commended the City Boy Movement for its organisational structure and urged it to incorporate information about the administration’s legislative achievements into its artificial intelligence-driven communication platform. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau praised the movement’s use of technology and data in organising members and coordinating political activities. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, meanwhile, commended the President for providing opportunities for young Nigerians to participate in governance and national leadership. As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, Tinubu urged young supporters to participate lawfully and peacefully in the democratic process. He encouraged them to mobilise eligible voters and promote the registration and use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while stressing that political engagement should be driven by ideas, dialogue and peaceful mobilisation rather than violence. The gathering underscored the administration’s emphasis on youth participation in political mobilisation and governance. The President’s stated commitment to inclusive governance will also be measured by the opportunities available to young Nigerians across public institutions, economic programmes and decision-making processes. The event was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, government officials, traditional rulers and youth supporters.