Oyetola partners City Boy Movement to deepen youth awareness on maritime opportunities

Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy on Monday received State Directors of the City Boy Movement (CBM) from the Southwest region in his office in Abuja, pledging collaboration to expand youth awareness and participation in maritime and blue economy opportunities.

The delegation, led by Lamiju Alao-Akala the, Oyo State Director of the City Boy Movement, said the visit formed part of the group’s strategic engagement with key government officials whose portfolios directly impact economic growth, employment generation, and youth empowerment.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

In his remarks, Alao-Akala described the City Boy Movement as a youth-driven sociopolitical mobilisation platform established to promote civic participation, policy awareness, and support for progressive governance initiatives, particularly those aligned with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that the movement has grown into a structured network of young professionals, students, entrepreneurs, and community organisers working to bridge the information gap between government policies and young citizens.

According to him, CBM engages youths through town hall meetings, policy sensitisation programmes, digital campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and community outreach activities.

Alao-Akala emphasised that the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry occupies a strategic position in unlocking vast opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship, particularly in areas such as coastal trade, logistics, fisheries, marine services, and port-related industries.

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He sought the Minister’s support in strengthening CBM’s outreach efforts, especially in translating maritime and blue economy policies into accessible messages that resonate with young Nigerians across the Southwest and beyond.

Responding, Oyetola commended the movement’s proactive engagement and described its activities as timely and aligned with national development priorities.

He stressed that Nigerian youths, as the largest demographic segment of the population, must be effectively reached with accurate information about government reforms, programmes, and economic opportunities.

The Minister noted that the marine and blue economy sector holds significant untapped potential and remains central to the administration’s broader economic diversification agenda.

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He stated that the Ministry is implementing policies aimed at expanding indigenous participation in maritime activities, strengthening port operations, boosting fisheries development, and enhancing capacity-building initiatives for young Nigerians.

Oyetola assured the delegation of his readiness to support credible youth-focused initiatives that promote economic inclusion, national cohesion, and informed civic participation.

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