Okpebholo hosts City Boy Movement, declares support for Tinubu’s 2nd term

BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday declared that only individuals with deep urban understanding can effectively organise and brand a modern city, as he received leaders of the City Boy Movement at Government House, Benin City.

The governor used the occasion to emphasise the importance of structured, grassroots-driven leadership while reaffirming his administration’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

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

Welcoming the group, Okpebholo described their decision to commence their South-South regional tour in Edo as a recognition of the state’s growing political relevance.

“You have not made a mistake coming to the South-South and choosing Edo State. I am happy to receive you,” the governor said, noting that the movement appeared well-coordinated and driven by purposeful leadership.

He added that the emergence of organised youth platforms such as the City Boy Movement reflects a shift towards more strategic participation of young people in governance and national development.

The governor also commended President Tinubu for what he described as bold and decisive leadership, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, a policy he said previous administrations had failed to implement.

“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,” he stated.

Reiterating Edo State’s political stance, Okpebholo declared that the state had already endorsed Tinubu for a second term, aligning itself with what he described as a vision-driven and structured movement.

“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,” he said.

He further stressed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that sustainable development depends on creating opportunities for young people to lead, innovate and contribute meaningfully.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the delegation, Olawande said the City Boy Movement was established to bridge the gap between leadership and young Nigerians, while positioning youths strategically in governance and nation-building.

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

Other dignitaries present at the meeting 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.