By George Ozalla
Seyi Tinubu was in Owerri, Imo State on Saturday March 14 2026 to continue the Renewed Hope City Boy Movement engagement that began with a courtesy visit to the Government House on Friday March 13. The two‑day programme brought together political officeholders business leaders youth representatives and community stakeholders in a sustained effort to deepen youth participation in national development.
The event commenced with Seyi Tinubu leading members of the City Boy Movement to the Government House where they were received by Governor Hope Uzodimma. In his address the governor welcomed the delegation and called on young Nigerians to become constructive partners in driving progress and unity. He commended the Movement for its youth mobilisation and charitable initiatives and said the country needed the energy and ideas of its young population to navigate economic and security challenges.
Governor Uzodimma said the Renewed Hope agenda was anchored on inclusive participation and urged the youths to channel their enthusiasm toward positive engagement and national service. He told the gathering that opportunities existed for young people in entrepreneurship governance and community development if they remained committed to peaceful and responsible action.
Representing the federal delegation the Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande thanked Governor Uzodimma for the reception and reiterated the Movement’s resolve to expand opportunities for youths across the SouthEast. Olawande said the visit was not merely a show of support but a call to deepen collaboration between young leaders and government at all levels.
Senator Osita Izunaso of Imo West and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi of Imo East also addressed the crowd. Izunaso encouraged the young audience to stay engaged in public affairs and to make their voices heard through established civic and democratic channels. Onyewuchi emphasised the role of legislative support in creating an enabling environment for youth empowerment and economic participation.
The engagement drew the presence of other state executives including the Deputy Governor of Imo State Lady Chinyere Ekomaru the Secretary to the State Government Chief Cosmos Iwu the Chief of Staff to the Governor Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie and the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Hon. Austin Onyedebelu. Business magnate Obi Cubana was among those who joined the programme and spoke to supporters about the importance of opportunity creation and community investment.
On Saturday the Movement continued with organised sessions that included direct interactions between youth representatives and Movement officials and community outreach activities across Owerri. Members of the City Boy Movement earlier donated medical equipment to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital citing support for local institutions as part of their broader engagement strategy.
Supporters maintained large turnout throughout the city centre and echoed calls for increased youth involvement in governance and development. While some civil society voices offered measured critique about the timing of the engagement amid ongoing economic pressures the programmes of the day proceeded without disruption.
The Owerri leg of the Renewed Hope City Boy Movement engagement concluded its scheduled activities on Saturday with organisers affirming their intent to sustain youth empowerment efforts across the SouthEast.
