According to a goodwill message released by *The State House*, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Nigerian youths to champion national development by prioritizing service and sacrifice over individual gains. Speaking to participants at the 2026 National Retreat of the City Boy Movement in Abuja, Gbajabiamila emphasized that the nation’s future cannot be left to chance but must be actively shaped by responsible young citizens. He noted that the youth possess the innovation and resilience required to drive the country’s ongoing transformation.
Gbajabiamila used the forum to defend the Tinubu administration’s bold economic policies, including tax modernization, foreign exchange unification, and the removal of the petrol subsidy. He stated that these reforms, though challenging, are already yielding positive outcomes by easing inflation and restoring international investor confidence. He further highlighted government programs, such as student loans and technical skill initiatives, as direct paths to empowering the next generation.
The retreat, themed “Youth, Unity and Action,” brought together youth leaders and coordinators from all 36 states to discuss grassroots mobilization strategies. Organizers reiterated their commitment to driving constructive civic engagement and supporting government policies at the local level.
The Chief of Staff’s address was reported widely by other publications. *The Whistler* noted the timing of the speech amidst broader administrative scrutiny, reporting that “Gbajabiamila urged youths to put national interest above personal ambition”. Meanwhile, *The Nation* highlighted the political context, stating that the “City Boy Movement targets 10 million youth votes for President’s 2027 re-election” campaign through organized grassroots structures.
Echotitbits take:
As the administration gears up for the next political cycle, mobilizing the youth demographic remains a top priority. While appeals to patriotism and policy highlights are standard fare, the administration will ultimately be judged by the tangible success of its economic programs and the availability of real employment opportunities for these young citizens.
Source: The State House Abuja – https://statehouse.gov.ng/chief-of-staff-calls-on-youths-to-champion-national-development/, July 15, 2026
Photo credit: Daily Post
