Tinubu Credits Seyi for Building City Boy Movement, Urges Son to Do More

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has credited his son, Seyi Tinubu, with establishing and organising the City Boy Movement, publicly commending his initiative and grassroots engagement while urging him to deepen his commitment to public service.

Tinubu spoke on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the State House in Abuja, during a gathering of young supporters under the movement, where he acknowledged its growing organisational structure and the role of youth support groups in promoting his administration’s policies.

In a personal tribute, the President described how Seyi had built the movement through direct engagement with young Nigerians, emphasising that his contribution went beyond seeking political recognition.

“To my son, Seyi, I have watched what you have started with the City Boy Movement. You did it quietly. You did it humbly. You did not ask for a title or an office. You went to the young people, you listened to them, and you organised them. I am proud of you,” Tinubu said.

He, however, challenged his son to treat the achievement as the beginning of a longer commitment to service.

“But I will tell you what every father tells his son: you have only started. Do more. Go further. Serve harder. Set an example that your own children, my grandchildren, will be proud to follow. And set an example for every Nigerian child who is watching, so they know that to serve your country is the highest honour,” he added.

The President also singled out the movement’s organisational capacity, describing its grassroots network and community outreach as a model of youth participation in politics.

“To the City Boys Movement, you have done something new in Nigerian politics. You did not just gather people. You built a structure. Millions of real, verifiable members. A presence in every state, every local government, every ward, down to the polling unit. A call centre that speaks to young Nigerians every day and listens to what their communities need. City Boys Care, reaching members where they live. That is not noise. That is organisation. That is the kind of seriousness this country needs from its young people, and I am proud of you,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria support group for communicating his administration’s work, saying, “To Relax, Tinubu is Fixing Nigeria, your name carries a promise, and you have carried that promise to every corner of this country. You have told the story of the work we are doing when others chose to tell only half of it.”

Beyond the movement’s political organisation, the President thanked young Nigerians for standing by his administration during the implementation of major economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, currency reforms and changes to the tax system.

He acknowledged the difficulties associated with the measures but praised supporters who continued to defend the administration’s policies in their communities and online.

“You understood that a nation cannot borrow its way to greatness. You were patient when patience was hard. You defended this administration in the markets, on campuses, in the motor parks, and on social media, often when it was unpopular to do so. I saw it. I noticed. And I will never forget it,” he said.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Credit Corporation of Nigeria (CREDICORP) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

He said access to education, credit and digital skills was necessary to enable young people to participate meaningfully in the economy and compete globally. He further stressed the importance of involving them in governance and national decision-making.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Tinubu urged his supporters to mobilise eligible voters, encourage citizens to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and pursue political participation through lawful and peaceful means.

He cautioned against violence, emphasising that political engagement should be driven by ideas, constructive dialogue and peaceful mobilisation.

The meeting also featured calls from senior government officials for the movement to sustain its grassroots reach and make greater use of technology in political engagement.

Vice President Kashim Shettima said Tinubu’s decision to confront longstanding economic challenges had helped avert a deeper crisis that further delays to critical reforms could have triggered.

Acknowledging the pressures Nigerians had experienced, Shettima said the sacrifices associated with the reforms should ultimately translate intoimproved livelihoods and greater opportunities.

“What distinguishes this administration from its predecessors is our refusal to pay lip service to the structural reforms Nigeria needs. We owe that resolve to the visionary, audacious, tenacious, sagacious architect of our renewal, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

Shettima also credited the President’s inclusive leadership with strengthening political cooperation and accommodating diverse interests. He praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her contributions to national development and thanked the City Boy Movement for supporting the administration’s agenda.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commended the movement’s patriotism and organisational structure, saying its continued growth could reduce the need for multiple campaign teams by giving it the capacity to respond to questions raised by Nigerians.

He advised the movement to incorporate the Tinubu administration’s legislative achievements into its artificial intelligence-driven platform, which highlights government accomplishments and responds to public enquiries.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau also praised the movement’s use of technology to gather data and develop strategies for generating support ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“This organisation is not only human-driven, but it is also technology–AI–driven, and I want other organisations to emulate this,” Barau said.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, in turn, commended Tinubu’s investment in young Nigerians and his record of mentoring them, dating back to his tenure as governor of Lagos State.

Earlier, Director-General of the City Boy Movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, said the group had registered 4.8 million members in its database under the slogan, “Inform, Engage, Inspire.”

He said the movement was committed to promoting the administration’s achievements and preparing young Nigerians for leadership.

“We are not just raising members; we are building leaders. Wherever we find young Nigerians, we will carry the message of renewed hope.

hope.

“We will inspire confidence, promote patriotism, encourage responsible participation, and transform belief into action. This is our calling. This is our duty, and this is our moment to serve Nigeria,” Shoga said.

Director-General of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, Ahmed Bala, also pledged that the group would mobilise 10 million votes for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, arguing that a second term would allow the administration to complete its reform programmes.

Members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, traditional rulers, senior government officials and youth supporters attended the gathering.