***Shoga hails APC campaign flag-off, links Abuja-Kaduna highway to economic opportunities in North-West

The massive turnout of young Nigerians at Saturday’s flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in Kaduna has validated the grassroots mobilisation efforts of the City Boy Movement (CBM), its Director-General, Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, has said.

Shoga said the enthusiasm displayed by youths at the rally reflected growing interest in President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda and a desire among young Nigerians to participate more actively in shaping the country’s political and economic future.

In a statement titled, “Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Young Nigerians, and Building a Prosperous Future,” the CBM director-general attributed the turnout partly to the movement’s sustained grassroots engagement, including its mobilisation activities and street walk in Kano.

“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 explained that the movement’s activities went beyond mobilising electoral support for Tinubu, noting that it also sought to educate young people on government policies and equip them to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities.

He particularly welcomed the commissioning of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off, describing the project as a significant infrastructure intervention with the potential to stimulate economic activities across the North-West.

According to him, the strategic corridor linking Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano could boost agricultural production, expand industrial activities, facilitate regional trade and attract private investment, while creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

He said improved road connectivity would help farmers and traders move their goods more efficiently, ease transportation challenges and encourage investments in logistics, manufacturing, food processing and other businesses.

“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.

He, however, stressed that the economic benefits of the road could only be fully realised if infrastructure development was accompanied by sustained security operations, effective intelligence gathering, reliable electricity and policies capable of attracting 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 said.

On preparations for the 2027 general election, Shoga said the City Boy Movement would intensify its grassroots engagement across the country, focusing on public enlightenment about the administration’s reforms and encouraging peaceful participation in the democratic process.

He commended supporters who participated in the Kaduna rally and the movement’s mobilisation activities in Kano, describing their enthusiasm as a boost to its nationwide campaign efforts.

“Every conversation, every community engagement and every effort to educate and mobilise people can contribute to a stronger national movement and a more informed citizenry,” he said.

Shoga also urged young Nigerians to objectively assess the administration’s achievements and challenges, acquire relevant skills, embrace entrepreneurship and make informed political choices.

“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.

He reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to promoting an informed, enterprising and responsible generation of young Nigerians, adding that the ultimate measure of infrastructure development should be its impact on jobs, businesses and the living standards of ordinary citizens.