The City Boy Movement, Ogun State chapter, has taken bold steps to empower youth and drive innovation. At the Annual Youth Summit, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the group awarded N14 million in technology grants. This initiative showcased their commitment to fostering creativity and progress.
The event became even more remarkable when Seyi Tinubu, co-host of the summit, announced an additional N4 million in funding. This increase, added to the initial N10 million, came after Tinubu was impressed by the exceptional ideas presented by the finalists. His gesture thrilled the audience and reaffirmed the movement’s dedication to youth empowerment.
The grant competition attracted some of Ogun State’s brightest innovators. Participants presented creative solutions to pressing social, environmental, and economic issues. Their projects ranged from waste management technologies to digital tools aimed at boosting local economies. For many, the competition was a platform to turn ideas into impactful realities.
The technology grant was just one part of a larger N45 million empowerment program revealed at the summit. Winners will not only receive financial support but also mentorship from industry leaders. They will gain access to potential investors and resources to refine and scale their ideas. Organizers described the initiative as a pivotal moment for Ogun State and a signal of a brighter future powered by the resilience of its youth.
The summit went beyond technology grants. It also offered business grants for small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, scholarships for students, and financial aid for market women. These initiatives highlighted the City Boy Movement’s holistic approach to driving economic growth and social development.
The event drew prominent figures, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Adeola Solomon (Yayi), and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister for Communication and Digital Economy. Other key attendees included Comrade Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, Minister for Youth Development; Dr. Oluwatoyin Afiz, Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund; and Mr. Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN. Their presence underscored the summit’s importance in shaping policy and innovation.
The City Boy Movement’s initiative goes beyond financial investments. It reflects the transformative power of innovation and the potential of Nigeria’s youth. As Ogun State’s young talents take center stage, this summit stands as a beacon of hope and a call to action for other states. The event celebrates the creativity, resilience, and determination that will shape Nigeria’s future.