President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not assume office merely to manage Nigeria but to lead a fundamental and sustainable transformation of the nation, according to the Director General of the City Boy Movement, Oluwatosin Shoga.
Shoga said the vigour and sense of purpose driving the Renewed Hope Agenda across the country’s sociopolitical, security, and economic spheres demonstrates that President Tinubu came to transform, not just manage, Nigeria.
Addressing participants at the Imo State Youth Stakeholders’ Security Summit held over the weekend in Owerri, Shoga highlighted President Tinubu’s sustainable approach to tackling insecurity, alongside a strong commitment to meaningful youth empowerment.
He said the President has made it clear that no threat or personal interest would be allowed to compromise the safety of Nigeria or its human and material resources.
Noting that the summit’s theme, ‘Imo Safety: The Youth Responsibility’, aligns with President Tinubu’s vision, the youth leader emphasised that Nigeria’s security is non-negotiable, adding that the safety of Imo State and the nation remains a central pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We’re not talking about just any form of empowerment. When young people acquire skills, have access to finance, and gain the knowledge needed to run their own businesses, they become builders, not destroyers. More importantly, they are less vulnerable to social vices,” he said.
He, however, called for a collective response to the security challenges, noting that government efforts alone are not enough, saying, “Government cannot win this battle alone.
“We need traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and women’s organisations to help raise awareness for peace.
“In this battle against insecurity, retreat is not an option, surrender is off the table. The path to peace may be challenging, but with unity, determination, and faith in the Renewed Hope agenda, we shall overcome.”
In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Youth and Talent Hunt, Mandella Ukaegbu, said the summit was part of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s initiatives to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.
He noted that the governor has launched several programmes to encourage youth participation in state affairs, particularly in promoting safety and security.
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“The governor has empowered the youth through numerous initiatives, and this summit provides a platform for them to actively contribute to securing the state,” Ukaegbu said.
He added that the governor’s approach has instilled in the youth a strong sense of responsibility to build and not destroy, saying, “The message is clear, the youth understand that building the state and the nation is far better than destroying it.”
Representatives of various security agencies at the summit urged Imo youth to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals within their communities.
They cautioned that criminals often act more swiftly than official responses, emphasising that security should never be taken for granted.
The officials also warned against cultism and illicit drug use, describing them as major contributors to social unrest.
Individuals were honoured at the event with awards for their exceptional contributions to peacekeeping in the State.