Gov Okpebholo: “Only a City Boy Can Brand a City” as Edo Hosts City Boy Movement, Backs Tinubu’s Second Term
By Ojo Evans
Benin City – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday emphasized the importance of structured, grassroots-driven leadership in urban development, declaring that “only a city boy can truly build and brand a city.” The governor made the statement while receiving the leadership of the City Boy Movement at the Government House, Benin City.
The delegation was led by its Grand Patron, Seyi Tinubu, and included the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Director-General of the movement, Francis Oluwatosin Shola. Governor Okpebholo said the group’s decision to launch its South-South regional tour in Edo State underscores the state’s growing relevance in national political engagement.
Welcoming the movement, the governor described it as coordinated, organised, and leadership driven. He told the delegation, “You have not made a mistake coming to the South-South and choosing Edo State. I am happy to receive you.” He added that seeing such a structured youth platform gave him confidence that Nigeria’s future is in safe hands, signaling a shift toward more strategic youth participation in governance.
Okpebholo used the occasion to reaffirm Edo State’s commitment to youth-focused political mobilisation and to declare support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid. He commended the President for taking bold decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy. “What others could not do, Asiwaju has done. Without chaos, he took that bold decision, and today the country is already positioning itself for greater economic stability and growth,” the governor said.
The governor was unequivocal about the state’s political direction. “For us in Edo, the decision is clear. We have already endorsed him for a second term. We are proud to align with a movement that reflects vision, structure, and purpose,” he stated. He further noted that his administration remains committed to empowering young people, insisting that sustainable development depends on giving youths the platform to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully.
Earlier, Minister Olawande, speaking for the delegation, said the City Boy Movement was created to bridge the gap between leadership and young Nigerians. He explained that the South-South tour, which began in Edo State, would serve as a rallying point to mobilise, inspire, and awaken young people across the region to take strategic positions in governance and nation-building.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; and APC State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, among others. According to the Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the visit marks a key moment in the movement’s nationwide mobilisation drive and positions Edo State as a critical hub for advancing youth inclusion.