The Imo State Chapter of the City Boy Movement has dismissed reports of violence and stampede during the recently concluded Renewed Hope National Youth Tour held in Owerri, describing the claims as misleading and politically motivated.
Addressing journalists during a press conference in Owerri, the State Coordinator of the movement, Prince Francis Uzor, alongside the State Leader, Dr. Ijeoma Kalu, and the State Organizing Secretary, Hon. Dr. Moses Odeghe, clarified that the programme was peaceful and well organized. They were flanked by other members of the state executive of the group.
According to the leaders, the Renewed Hope National Youth Tour (South-East Edition) took place in Owerri, Imo State, between March 13 and 14, 2026, and was aimed at empowering over 20,000 youths through entrepreneurship support, digital skills training and agricultural empowerment.
The event was led by Seyi Tinubu and leaders of the City Boy Movement. It featured workshops, engagement sessions and the distribution of empowerment items to beneficiaries.
Items distributed during the programme included laptops, small business grants, mobile phones, freezers, generators, farmers’ packs, hairdressing kits, barbering kits, wheelchairs, grinding machines and sewing machines.
The organizers explained that the programme also provided an opportunity to educate participants about the achievements and programmes of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
They noted that political appointees of the President used the platform to brief citizens on various opportunities and government initiatives designed to benefit youths and entrepreneurs, particularly in the South-East.
The press conference further stated that participants at the event were mainly supporters of the All Progressives Congress, supporters of the President and members of the City Boy Movement.
Responding to reports circulating on social media about a stampede, the leaders maintained that no such incident occurred. They explained that although the distribution process took some time due to the large number of beneficiaries, the items were shared in an orderly manner.
According to them, some level of impatience among participants eager to receive their empowerment items created a brief moment of rowdiness, but it did not escalate into violence.
They added that Seyi Tinubu insisted that the empowerment materials were meant for the people and directed organizers to ensure that beneficiaries received their allocated items.
The movement also accused some political actors of spreading misinformation after witnessing the large turnout recorded at the event.
They argued that attempts to label participants as “village boys” were part of efforts to discredit the programme, noting that many attendees were seen wearing branded caps and T-shirts associated with the Renewed Hope initiative.
The City Boy Movement reiterated its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the President to continue implementing policies and programmes aimed at transforming the country and empowering Nigerian youths.
The group also expressed confidence that the South-East would continue to support the administration and its development initiatives.
