By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI), a movement birthed by a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and a Nigerian activist, Najaatu Muhammad, has described Nigeria?s northern region as poverty capital of the world.

The Director General of the movement, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, disclosed this to journalists after a high-level meeting in Kaduna on Friday, January 3, 2025, aimed at rallying support across the northern states.

The meeting highlighted on the pressing issues facing the North, including poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment, stating that the region has fallen behind in all indices of progress.

Dr Idris also disclosed plans by the movement to mobilize 50 million Nigerian?s as part of efforts to address the challenges facing the region.

?We are the poverty capital of the world.

?Our region is plagued by multidimensional poverty, out-of-school children, deteriorating infrastructure, and insecurity.

?You can hardly travel from one state to another without fear. Kidnappings and killings have become commonplace, with entire communities being wiped out. Yet, there is no strong voice advocating for us,? the DG stated.

On empowering youth for leadership, Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of youth empowerment for leadership, adding that, young people in the north are in a sorry state.

?The movement aims to prepare the youth for leadership roles while providing them with the necessary guidance, skills, and opportunities to drive change.

?This movement was birthed by well-meaning individuals like former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and Hajiya Najaatu Muhammad, who felt it was time to give back to the public. Our focus Is to unite the North, empower our youth, and provide solutions to our region?s challenges.

?The North has a lot of problems that require urgent attention. No one is coming to save us, so we must act now to rescue ourselves and secure a better future,? he noted.

He said NSYEI?s efforts are expected to gain momentum as similar meetings are being held across other northern states to build support for the initiative?s objectives.

On political affiliations, the NSYEI clarified that it is not aligned with any political party and does not intend to evolve into one.

?Our members are free to join any political party of their choice, but as a movement, we are not political. Our strength lies in the common northerner, and we aim to mobilize grassroots support,? Dr. Idris explained.

With focus on grassroots mobilization, Dr. Idris revealed plans to establish structures across northern states and collaborate with like-minded groups to create a united front for tackling regional issues.

?Our goal is to galvanize 50 million registered and active Nigerians who can work for the North. With such a number, no politician can disregard us,? he stated.

On improved structures, he said the movement has set up committees on education, health, security, and the economy to tackle the region?s problems systematically.

?It also plans to introduce innovative programs to economically empower youths and ensure equitable access to opportunities in public service.

?Why do northerners find it so difficult to secure jobs in public service without paying bribes?? he queried.

While calling on northerners to join the movement, stressing a collective action needed to salvage the region, the DG also promised that the movement will legitimately fight all injustices and ensure that the people get what is rightfully theirs.

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