Oyetola Hails Youth Mobilisation as CBM Seeks Maritime Partnership
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has commended the Southwest leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) for deepening youth mobilisation and civic engagement in support of national development.
Oyetola received the state directors of the movement in his office in Abuja, where discussions centred on youth inclusion, policy awareness and opportunities within the marine and blue economy sector.
The delegation was led by the Oyo State Director of the City Boy Movement, Hon. Lamiju Alao-Akala, who outlined the objectives and expanding structure of the youth-driven sociopolitical platform across the Southwest and beyond.
According to Alao-Akala, the movement was established to promote civic participation, policy awareness and grassroots engagement, particularly around reform initiatives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the CBM has grown into a coordinated network of young professionals, students, entrepreneurs and community organisers working to bridge the information gap between government policies and young citizens.
He explained that the group engages in town-hall meetings, public sensitisation campaigns, digital advocacy, volunteerism and youth empowerment programmes designed to strengthen democratic participation and national cohesion.
Alao-Akala noted that the visit to the minister formed part of CBM’s strategic engagement with senior government officials whose portfolios directly influence economic growth and employment generation.
He described the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry as pivotal to unlocking maritime opportunities in coastal trade, fisheries, logistics, marine services and port-related industries.
He sought a partnership with the ministry to enhance awareness among young Nigerians, particularly in the Southwest, about emerging prospects within the blue economy value chain.
Responding, Oyetola described youth inclusion as central to democratic stability, economic growth and social cohesion.
He said Nigeria’s youthful population must be adequately informed about policy reforms and development initiatives to ensure constructive participation in governance.
The minister stressed that government achievements in economic reforms, infrastructure expansion, social investment programmes and institutional strengthening must be communicated clearly and consistently, especially to young people who represent both beneficiaries and critical stakeholders in national progress.
He added that platforms such as the CBM can help disseminate accurate information, counter misinformation and promote responsible civic engagement.
Oyetola further highlighted the vast untapped potential within the marine and blue economy, noting that the ministry is implementing policies aimed at expanding indigenous participation and creating employment opportunities across maritime value chains.
He assured the delegation of his readiness to support credible initiatives that promote youth empowerment, economic inclusion and sustained national development awareness.
Other directors in the delegation included Moyo Ogunlewe (Lagos), Kasali Oluwafemi (Ekiti) and Kayode Sowande (Osun).
