The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday received State Directors of the City Boy Movement (CBM) from the Southwest in his Abuja office, commending the group’s growing role in youth mobilisation and civic engagement across the region.
The delegation, led by the Oyo State Director of the Movement, Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, briefed the Minister on the objectives, activities, and expanding grassroots network of the youth-driven sociopolitical platform.
The City Boy Movement is structured to promote civic participation, policy awareness, and support for progressive governance initiatives, particularly those aligned with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since its formation, the CBM has evolved into a coordinated network of young professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community organisers committed to strengthening democratic participation through advocacy, public enlightenment campaigns, town-hall engagements, digital outreach, and youth empowerment programmes.
Speaking during the visit, Alao-Akala stated that the movement was founded on the belief that Nigeria’s youthful population must be informed, inspired, and actively involved in governance processes. He explained that the CBM has been working across Southwest states to bridge the information gap between government policies and young citizens by translating national programmes into accessible and relatable messages.
According to him, the Movement focuses on communicating reforms and achievements of the current administration in areas such as economic restructuring, infrastructure development, youth opportunities, and social investment initiatives, thereby fostering informed civic consciousness among young Nigerians.
He further noted that the visit formed part of the CBM’s strategic engagement with senior government officials whose ministries directly impact economic growth and employment generation. Highlighting the central role of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, he described the sector as critical to unlocking employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for youths in coastal trade, logistics, fisheries, marine services, and port-related industries.
Alao-Akala sought the Minister’s partnership in strengthening outreach efforts, particularly in communicating opportunities within the marine and blue economy sector to young Nigerians in the Southwest and beyond.
In his response, Oyetola commended the City Boy Movement for its proactive engagement, describing the initiative as timely and aligned with national development priorities. He observed that youths represent the largest demographic segment of Nigeria’s population and must be effectively reached with accurate and factual information about government policies and programmes.
The Minister emphasised that youth inclusion remains essential for sustaining democratic stability, economic growth, and social cohesion. He noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has recorded significant milestones across key sectors, including economic reforms, infrastructure expansion, social investment programmes, and institutional strengthening.
“These achievements must be communicated clearly and consistently, particularly to young people who are both primary beneficiaries and critical stakeholders in the country’s future”, he stated.
Oyetola further highlighted the vast untapped potential of the marine and blue economy sector, noting that the Ministry is implementing policies aimed at expanding indigenous participation and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
He assured the delegation of his readiness to support credible initiatives that promote youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and greater awareness of national development efforts.
Members of the delegation included Alao-Akala (Oyo), Moyo Ogunlewe (Lagos), Kasali Oluwafemi (Ekiti), and Kayode Sowande (Osun).
The meeting reinforced the growing collaboration between government institutions and youth-led platforms in advancing governance awareness and national development objectives.