Cityboy Movement denies reports of invasion at Owerri empowerment rally …says disruption an attempt to undermine youth empowerment efforts in the South-East The Cityboy Movement (CBM) has dismissed media reports alleging that its Mega Empowerment Rally in Owerri, Imo State, was invaded, describing the claims as misleading and aimed at undermining its youth empowerment activities in the Southeast. While acknowledging that a minor misunderstanding occurred during the event, the movement said the situation was swiftly brought under control. The Director-General of the movement, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, clarified the circumstances in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, noting that the empowerment programme was successfully held at Heroes Square in Owerri. According to him, the rally attracted beneficiaries from the five Southeast states and was organised to distribute empowerment items to accredited youths as part of the group’s broader youth engagement and capacity-building initiatives. Shoga explained that the programme proceeded peacefully before a brief disturbance caused by unidentified individuals led to momentary confusion in 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. Thankfully, no fatalities were recorded, and no attendee has been reported missing,” the statement said. The statement, signed by the movement’s Director of Public Affairs, Aminat Aminu-Isah, commended members and volunteers for maintaining order and civility throughout the programme. She also reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to youth mobilisation and leadership development in line with the Renewed Hope vision. “The Cityboy Movement remains fully committed to mobilising, mentoring, and grooming Nigerian youths for responsible leadership while promoting discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation,” the statement added. The Mega Empowerment Rally in Owerri formed part of the Cityboy Movement’s regional mobilisation and youth empowerment initiative in the South-East, aimed at supporting young Nigerians through skill support tools, empowerment materials, and civic engagement programmes. The programme is also part of the movement’s broader activities aligned with promoting youth participation in governance and supporting policy initiatives under the Renewed Hope agenda, and designed to strengthen youth inclusion, encourage civic responsibility, and expand economic opportunities for young Nigerians across the country.