By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The City Boy Movement has launched a major youth empowerment programmed for 1,749 beneficiaries across the North East. The initiative began yesterday in Maiduguri, Borno State, under the leadership of National Co-Patron Shettima Kashim Shettima (Amir). The programme aims to support young people with tools for self-reliance and livelihood development.
City Boy Movement Distributes Empowerment Items
The empowerment programme features the distribution of several business and livelihood-support items.
The items include Keke NAPEP vehicles, refrigerators, solar panels and kiosks. Beneficiaries will also receive wheelchairs and sewing machines.
The distribution ceremony took place in Maiduguri and attracted government officials, stakeholders, youth leaders and beneficiaries.
Ibrahim Abba Umar Welcomes Beneficiaries
The programme opened with a welcome address by Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar.
Umar serves as Executive Director, Technical Services, at the Nigerian Ports Authority. He also serves as the North East Zonal Director, Youth Mobilisation, of the APC 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.
He welcomed dignitaries, beneficiaries and stakeholders to the event. He described the programme as a landmark initiative for youths across the region.
Shettima Kashim Shettima Commends North East Youths
Speaking at the ceremony, Shettima Kashim Shettima praised North East youths for their resilience.
He also commended their support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
According to him, the programme represents the first phase of a broader national empowerment plan.
“This is just the beginning,” he said.
He added that the City Boy Movement wants youths to gain practical tools for economic independence.
The initiative, he said, will help young people contribute meaningfully to national development.
City Boy Movement Promises Wider Youth Empowerment
The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, praised the National Co-Patron.
Shoga said the programme demonstrates the Movement’s commitment to practical youth development.
He also highlighted its focus on service delivery across the North East.
Meanwhile, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sainna Buba, welcomed the initiative.
He said the empowerment programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further assured residents that more development benefits would reach Borno and other North East states.
Five North East States Receive Empowerment Items
Representing the Borno State Governor, the Chief of Staff also praised the initiative.
He said empowering young people could help reduce unemployment across the region.
He added that the support would strengthen livelihoods and improve economic opportunities for beneficiaries.
Furthermore, the City Boy Movement has dispatched items allocated to five states.
The consignments for Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe have left Maiduguri.
The items will reach beneficiaries in those states through onward distribution.
Beneficiaries Celebrate City Boy Movement Support
Beneficiaries at the ceremony expressed excitement over the empowerment programme.
They described the initiative as “the first of its kind” in the region.
The beneficiaries also thanked the City Boy Movement and its leadership for supporting North East youths.
The equipment could help recipients establish or expand small businesses.
City Boy Movement Reaffirms Commitment to Youths
The City Boy Movement reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment across the North East.
The organisation said it remains focused on empowering youths and building a stronger future.
It also pledged to support initiatives that can strengthen livelihoods and economic opportunities.
The Movement said its vision remains clear: Empowering the Youth, Building the Future and Strengthening the North East.
