By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA — A coalition of northern youth groups, operating under the Northern Youth Frontiers, NYF, has commended the emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu on insecurity and poverty.

In a statement issued Monday and signed by NYF Chairman, Sama Musa, the group described the President’s announcement made during his Workers’ Day address as a decisive and necessary step toward tackling the protracted challenges in the region.

Musa noted that insecurity and poverty have, over the years, undermined peace, productivity, and development in Northern Nigeria. He characterised the declaration as bold, timely, and encouraging, offering renewed hope to affected communities.

He said: “The Northern Youth Frontiers officially welcomes and commends the courageous and visionary Workers’ Day address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by declaring insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, the President has acknowledged the urgent realities facing millions, especially in the North.”

The group highlighted several government initiatives, including the recruitment of 45,000 young Nigerians into security-related roles, which NYF says will both strengthen local security and create employment opportunities.

It also lauded the deployment of 10,000 Agro-Rangers by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across 19 states, describing it as a critical move to restore farmers’ confidence and boost food production.

According to the group, efforts such as expanded social safety nets—targeting 15 million households—and economic measures like the reintroduction of gratuity payments and the settlement of pension arrears demonstrate a commitment to improving citizens’ welfare.

NYF further pointed to infrastructure projects, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, as key drivers of job creation and industrial growth in the North.

The statement emphasised that linking security, agriculture, and employment is a strategic approach. “When farmers are safe, food security improves; when youths are employed, the appeal of insurgency declines,” it noted.

However, the group urged the Federal Government to maintain momentum and ensure transparency and accessibility in initiatives such as the N200 billion MSME support fund and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme.

Reaffirming its support, NYF called on stakeholders, including labour unions, to embrace dialogue and cooperation to sustain national recovery efforts.

The group concluded by asserting that “Nigeria is on the path to healing, and Northern youths are ready to contribute meaningfully to that journey.”