Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged members of the City Boy Movement (CBM) to champion a new Nigeria driven by youth participation, unity and national development.
Uzodimma made the call on Friday while receiving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu, and members of the movement, who were on a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Owerri ahead of the launch of the movement in Imo State.
The governor commended the group for its charitable initiatives and mobilisation of young people, urging them to channel their energy towards constructive engagement and nation-building.
“I am here to encourage and support you. You must remain united and use your strength to promote the message that a new Nigeria has emerged,” Uzodimma said.
He noted that the country is navigating global economic challenges but is also on a recovery path, adding that “young people must play a key role in sustaining peace and development.”
The Imo State governor also highlighted improvements in security and infrastructure in the South-East, stressing the need for a new generation of leaders.
He said Nigeria’s youthful population represents a major opportunity for national progress if properly mobilised, reminding members of the City Boy Movement that if they fail in their quest to see that a new Nigeria emerges, Nigeria has failed.
The governor described the City Boy Movement as “a revolution of new thinking” and urged members to act responsibly and contribute positively to the country’s future.
He pledged the full support of members of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, which he chairs, for the desire of the City Boy Movement to take the message of the reforms and good intentions of President Bola Tinubu for Nigeria beyond the cities where they reside to the villages where every member of the movement comes from.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, commended Governor Uzodimma for his support towards youth development and empowerment.
Olawande thanked the governor for his leadership and commitment to young people over the past six years he has been in office.
He said the movement appreciates Uzodimma’s efforts in bringing youths together and fostering hope and opportunities.
“We are here to thank you for your continued support and kindness to young people,” Olawande said, urging the governor to sustain his commitment to youth-focused initiatives.
Present at the event were the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru; senators representing Imo West and Imo East, Sen Osita Izunaso and Sen Ezenwa Onyewuchi; the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu; Chief of Staff to the governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie; the state chairman of the APC, Hon Austin Onyedebelu; some stakeholders; and members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.
On the entourage of Barr Seyi Tinubu were the South-East Director of the City Boy Movement, Hon Obinna Iyiegbu (aka Obi Cubana); the Managing Director, South East Development Commission, Hon Mark Okoye; the Managing Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr Jennife Adighije; Imo State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement, Hon Pascal Okechukwu (alias Cubana Chief Priest); among other executives and supporters of the City Boy Movement from the South-East and South-South.
Earlier on arrival, members of the City Boy Movement had visited the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital (formerly Federal Medical Centre, Owerri) and donated some medical equipment.
The movement is also poised to empower numerous young men and women from the South-East on Saturday as a way of rounding off its Owerri, Imo State, launch tour.
THE SUN
