From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The City Boy Movement has attributed the large turnout of young people at Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna to its grassroots mobilisation efforts, claiming that the participation reflects growing youth interest in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Director-General of the Movement, Francis Shoga, said the rally, alongside the group’s mobilisation activities in Kano, demonstrated the importance of sustained grassroots engagement in building political support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Shoga, in a reflection titled, “Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Young Nigerians, and Building a Prosperous Future,” said the Movement had been engaging young Nigerians and grassroots supporters to encourage their participation in the country’s political and economic development.
He said the turnout in Kaduna reinforced the group’s belief that young people wanted to be involved in conversations about development, economic opportunities and the country’s future.
“The enthusiasm witnessed in Kaduna, alongside our grassroots engagement and street walk in Kano, reinforces our conviction that young Nigerians want to be part of a national conversation about development, opportunity, and a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
The CBM director-general, however, said the Movement’s activities went beyond electoral mobilisation, arguing that young Nigerians also needed to understand government policies and position themselves to benefit from emerging economic opportunities.
He cited the commissioning of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off as an example of infrastructure development that could stimulate economic activities across the North-West.
According to him, the road corridor connecting Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano could expand opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, regional trade and private investment.
He said improved road connectivity would make it easier for farmers and traders to transport goods, expand access to markets and encourage young entrepreneurs to establish businesses in sectors such as food processing, transportation and manufacturing.
“The objective is not simply to build infrastructure. It is to create the conditions in which people can build businesses, earn sustainable incomes, create jobs, and improve their standard of living,” Shoga said.
He, however, cautioned that the economic benefits of the highway would depend partly on improved security, effective intelligence gathering, reliable electricity and policies capable of attracting private investment.
“A good road connects destinations. A secure road connects people to opportunity. Together, infrastructure and security can help unlock the economic potential of an entire region,” he said.
Shoga said the Movement would intensify its grassroots activities across the country as the 2027 elections approached, with a focus on explaining the administration’s reforms and encouraging peaceful participation in the democratic process.
He commended supporters who participated in the Kaduna rally and the Kano mobilisation exercise, saying their involvement would encourage the organisation to expand its nationwide engagements.
The CBM director-general also urged young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills, embrace entrepreneurship and make informed decisions about the country’s political leadership.
“Our message is simple: Do not sit on the sidelines while decisions that will shape your future are being made. Get informed, get involved, and make your voice count,” he said.
He added that the ultimate measure of infrastructure development should be its impact on ordinary citizens, particularly in the creation of jobs, expansion of businesses and improvement of living standards.
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