By Seun Ibiyemi
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday received State Directors of the City Boy Movement (CBM) from the Southwest in his office in Abuja, reaffirming the importance of youth engagement and grassroots mobilisation in national development.
The delegation, led by the Oyo State Director of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, outlined the objectives and expanding activities of the youth-driven sociopolitical platform, which promotes civic participation, policy awareness, and support for progressive governance initiatives associated with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alao-Akala explained that the CBM has evolved into a structured network of young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community organisers working to deepen democratic participation and national cohesion.Osun Polls: No strangers in APC, we’re one united family – Oyetola
According to him, the movement engages youths at the grassroots through town-hall meetings, policy sensitisation programmes, volunteer initiatives, digital campaigns, and empowerment activities.
He noted that the group has been active across Southwest states, translating government policies and reforms into relatable and accessible messages for young Nigerians.
He said the movement focuses on communicating key achievements of the current administration in economic restructuring, infrastructure development, youth-focused opportunities, and social investment programmes to foster informed civic consciousness.
The CBM leader added that the visit formed part of the group’s strategic engagement with senior government officials whose ministries directly impact economic growth and employment generation.
He described the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as central to unlocking maritime opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship in areas such as coastal trade, logistics, fisheries, marine services, and port-related industries.
Alao-Akala therefore 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 what he described as proactive youth mobilisation and civic engagement efforts, noting that the initiative aligns with national priorities.Nigeria to pilot regional fishing vessel register in Gulf of Guinea – Oyetola
He stressed that young people constitute the largest demographic segment of Nigeria’s population and must be effectively reached with accurate information about government policies and programmes.
The Minister said youth inclusion in national discourse remains essential for democratic stability, economic progress, and social cohesion.
He maintained that the Tinubu administration has recorded significant achievements across sectors, including economic reforms, infrastructure expansion, social programmes, and institutional strengthening.
“These milestones must be clearly and consistently communicated to Nigerians, particularly young people who are both primary beneficiaries and critical stakeholders in the country’s future,” he said, adding that platforms such as the CBM play a key role in disseminating factual information, countering misinformation, and fostering constructive engagement between government and citizens.
Oyetola further highlighted the vast untapped potential within the marine and blue economy sector for youth employment and enterprise development, assuring the delegation of his readiness to support credible initiatives that promote youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and national development awareness.
Other members of the delegation included Moyo Ogunlewe (Lagos), Kasali Oluwafemi (Ekiti) and Kayode Sowande (Osun).
