The City Boy Movement has credited its grassroots mobilisation efforts for the significant presence of young people at Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna, describing the turnout as a sign of increasing youth interest in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The movement’s Director-General, Francis Shoga, said the Kaduna rally and the organisation’s mobilisation activities in Kano highlighted the importance of engaging communities to build political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement titled “Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Young Nigerians, and Building a Prosperous Future,” Shoga explained that the group had been reaching out to young Nigerians and grassroots supporters to encourage their involvement in the nation’s political and economic development.
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According to him, the turnout in Kaduna reflected the willingness of young people to participate in discussions about national development, economic opportunities and Nigeria’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.
Shoga noted that the movement’s activities extended beyond political mobilisation, stressing the need to educate young Nigerians about government policies and help them identify opportunities arising from economic and infrastructure development.
He pointed to the commissioning of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off as an example of infrastructure investment that could boost economic activities across the North-West.
He explained that improved connectivity along the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano corridor could support agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, regional commerce and private-sector investment.
According to him, better roads would enable farmers and traders to move their goods more efficiently, reach wider markets and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs in 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.
However, he stressed that the economic potential of the highway would depend on other critical factors, including improved security, effective intelligence gathering, a stable electricity supply and policies that encourage 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 added.
The movement’s director-general said the organisation would step up its grassroots engagement nationwide as the 2027 elections draw closer. He said the campaign would focus on explaining the administration’s policies and reforms while promoting peaceful participation in the democratic process.
Shoga also praised supporters who took part in the Kaduna rally and the Kano mobilisation exercise, noting that their participation would encourage the movement to expand its activities across the country.
He urged young Nigerians to develop relevant skills, pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and make informed choices 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.
Shoga added that the success of infrastructure projects should ultimately be assessed by their impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly through job creation, business expansion and improved living standards.
