By Bavoriat Clara
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has launched the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative (LEI) for vulnerable youth and women as part of efforts to address the root causes of violent extremism in Nigeria.
The programme, unveiled in Abuja, brings together government, development partners, and the private sector in a coordinated non-kinetic approach aimed at tackling poverty, unemployment, and social vulnerability that often drive insecurity across communities.
In his keynote address, the Board Chairman of Giving to the Needy Mission International (GINMI), Dr. Reuben Uche Egwu, described the initiative as a transformative and proactive intervention designed to bridge the gap between economic hardship and national security. He disclosed that the programme aims to empower 10,000 vulnerable youth and women across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory between 2026 and 2028.
According to him, the initiative will focus on key agricultural value chains including cassava, rice, maize, poultry, and fish farming, while integrating modern agronomic practices, start-up support, and guaranteed market linkages. He added that the programme is expected to generate about 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, thereby strengthening household incomes and community resilience.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Chief Operating Officer of DoGood Foundation for the Needy, Incorporated, USA, Dr. Iyke Ezeugo, on behalf of its Founder and CEO, Major Iheanyichukwu Sunday of the United States Army, commended the initiative as a strategic shift in the fight against violent extremism. He noted that while kinetic responses remain necessary, sustainable security can only be achieved by addressing the socio-economic conditions that fuel radicalisation.
Dr. Ezeugo emphasized that extremist groups often exploit poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation, stressing that equipping young people with skills and access to economic opportunities significantly reduces their vulnerability to recruitment. He affirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the initiative through programme management expertise, strategic partnerships, and diaspora resources to ensure its success.
Also speaking, the Borno State Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Professor Usman Tar, described the initiative as timely and critical, particularly for frontline states grappling with insurgency. He said the challenges of violent extremism and terrorism in Borno are largely rooted in poverty, lack of education, and weak civic awareness, noting that non-kinetic strategies remain essential in complementing military efforts.
Professor Tar, highlighted ongoing interventions by the state government, including an Agricultural Transformation Master Plan, investments in mechanised and climate-resilient farming, and expansion of education and vocational training infrastructure. He revealed that over 100 mega schools, vocational centres across all 27 local government areas, and ICT centres in more than half of the state have been established, while reaffirming the state’s readiness to partner with GINMI to scale the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Major General Adamu Laka, represented by the Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou, said the launch of the initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to a holistic and preventive approach to security.
He noted that the programme aligns with the national Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism framework by addressing structural drivers of radicalisation, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening community-based resilience.
He called on stakeholders, including development agencies, financial institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector, to support the initiative, stressing that collective action remains key to building sustainable peace and national stability.
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