Photo: Bripin Enarusai
By Rita Mokobia.
ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday signalled stronger government support for youth-driven political participation, as he commended the City Boy Movement for what he described as its growing role in shaping political consciousness and mobilising young Nigerians for leadership and national development.
The governor spoke while receiving the national leadership of the movement, led by its Director-General, Hon. Francis Shoga, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba, in a meeting that reflected the increasing influence of organised youth platforms within Nigeria’s contemporary political space.
During the engagement, Oborevwori described the movement as a vibrant political force whose activities have continued to resonate among young people both within and outside Delta State.
He noted that the organisation’s growing visibility across grassroots communities and digital platforms demonstrates a new wave of political awareness among Nigerian youths eager to play more active roles in governance and national affairs.
According to the governor, the future of governance depends significantly on the participation, innovation and ideas of younger generations, stressing that modern political leadership must deliberately create room for youth inclusion.
Oborevwori said he had closely monitored the growth of the movement and expressed admiration for its organisational structure, consistency and expanding national reach.
The governor further revealed that the movement’s influence had extended even to members of his family, which he described as evidence of changing attitudes among young people towards leadership, civic engagement and responsibility.
“Young people are no longer waiting for tomorrow,” the governor said. “They are already stepping into leadership conversations with courage, vision and determination.”
He also praised the movement for aligning itself with the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a committed democrat, while urging members to sustain their mobilisation efforts in ways that promote constructive engagement and national development.
Oborevwori assured the delegation that his administration remains open to collaboration with credible youth organisations capable of contributing meaningfully to governance, advocacy and social development.
According to him, the energy, mobilisation strength and organisational discipline demonstrated by the movement represent qualities that can be productively harnessed for societal advancement.
The governor also acknowledged the role played by the movement’s patrons and coordinators at both national and state levels, noting that sustaining youth-oriented initiatives within Nigeria’s evolving political environment requires strategic leadership, resilience and coordination.
He urged members to remain focused on their long-term objectives and avoid distractions capable of weakening the movement’s momentum.
Earlier in his remarks, Francis Shoga described the visit to Government House as more than a ceremonial engagement, saying it symbolised a growing determination among Nigerian youths to participate directly in shaping the country’s future.
Shoga commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as his people-oriented leadership style and efforts aimed at improving opportunities and livelihoods across Delta State.
He explained that the City Boy Movement was conceived as a structured platform for leadership development, youth empowerment and democratic participation, with emphasis on moving young people from the margins of national discourse to the centre of political engagement.
According to him, the organisation has witnessed rapid expansion, with operational structures already established in more than 30 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, alongside growing international presence in over 100 countries.
He maintained that the movement remains committed to mobilising millions of young Nigerians in support of progressive leadership while promoting discipline, unity and constructive participation among the youth population.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal inauguration of the Delta State chapter of the City Boy Movement, an event many supporters described as a strategic step toward consolidating the organisation’s grassroots structures within the state.
For political observers, the meeting represented more than a routine courtesy visit. It underscored the growing relevance of youth-based political mobilisation in Nigeria’s democratic process and reflected a broader shift in the nation’s political culture, where younger voices are increasingly demanding visibility and influence within governance structures.
