The City Boy Movement West Africa Director, Olatunde Igbasan, has urged Nigerian youths to promote national unity, avoid electoral violence and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process.
Igbasan, who is also the Director-General of the APC Youth Network West Africa, made the call during an Independence Day walk organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary and the APC Youth Week in West Africa.
He encouraged young Nigerians to use their influence and social platforms to promote the country’s image rather than engage in activities capable of undermining national unity.
“We can use our platform for different things, to promote our nation, rather than to demarcate the country you have come from,” he said.
Igbasan also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, claiming that its policies had brought noticeable changes, particularly for Nigerians living in the diaspora.
He called on Nigerians to support Tinubu for a second term, arguing that continuity would enable the government to complete ongoing projects and implement its programmes.
According to him, infrastructure development remains essential to national growth, citing roads and other public facilities as critical components of economic development.
“You cannot build this nation without infrastructure,” he said.The City Boy Movement director also urged eligible young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate in elections peacefully.
He advised voters to leave polling units after casting their ballots to avoid possible confrontations and electoral violence.
Igbasan further cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or activists to perpetrate violence during protests and other political activities.
He encouraged young people dissatisfied with government policies to become actively involved in politics and contribute their knowledge and professional skills to national development.
“If you said the government is not doing well, come and join the party. You must belong to a society. Show your skill,” he said.
He urged graduates and skilled young Nigerians to apply their expertise in critical sectors, including transportation and mining, stressing that national development required practical contributions from citizens.
Igbasan added that Nigerians should focus on finding solutions to the country’s challenges rather than limiting their participation to criticism of government officials.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Civic Engagement, Ruth Ayomide, described the walk as an opportunity to celebrate national unity, progress and prosperity.
Ayomide said the event also reflected the importance of civic responsibility and youth participation in political and community activities.
She expressed support for Tinubu and challenged opposition aspirants to account for their records in previous public offices.
The Independence Day walk formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on October 1, 2026, with organisers highlighting national unity, civic engagement and youth participation in the country’s democratic process.
