The City Boy Movement has described the brief disruption recorded during its mega empowerment rally in Owerri, Imo State, as an attempt to undermine youth empowerment efforts in Nigeria’s South East region.
Director General of the movement Francis Shoga made this known in a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs Aminat Aminu Isah on Sunday in Abuja.
Shoga acknowledged that a brief disruption occurred during the programme which was held at Heroes Square Owerri but explained that the situation was quickly brought under control and no fatalities were recorded.
According to him the rally brought together beneficiaries from the five South East states and was organised to distribute empowerment items to accredited youths as part of the movement’s broader youth engagement and capacity building initiatives.
He explained that the programme had progressed peacefully before some unidentified individuals caused a disturbance that led to momentary confusion at parts of the venue.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the programme had progressed peacefully before some individuals disrupted the process and triggered a brief stampede within parts of the venue,” he said.
Despite the incident Shoga confirmed that no deaths were recorded and no participant has been reported missing following the disruption.
He commended members and volunteers of the movement who helped maintain order and civility during the programme despite the unexpected disturbance.
Shoga reaffirmed the commitment of the City Boy Movement to youth mobilisation and leadership development across the country in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The City Boy Movement remains fully committed to mobilising mentoring and grooming Nigerian youths for responsible leadership while promoting discipline patriotism and service to the nation,” he said.
The rally in Owerri formed part of the movement’s regional mobilisation and youth empowerment initiative targeted at young people across the South East.
The programme was designed to support youths through the distribution of s development tools empowerment materials and civic engagement opportunities aimed at improving their economic prospects and leadership capacity.
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