They explained that the N-Power initiative has played a vital role in generating employment and deterring Northern youth from extremist ideologies.
The convener of the group, Comrade Isa Aliyu Musa, conveyed their demand in a statement, calling on the government to promptly reconsider its decision and, instead, focus on expanding the N-Power program. This expansion would create new opportunities for the youth, promote positive change, and, in the long run, contribute to the region's development.
“We emphatically repudiate the vilification of our respected northern leadership for whatever reason or justification. In this light, we deem the targeting of our leaders past and present, for vilification, systematic dehumanization, profiling, alienation or any action that will render them object of ridicule, not only immoral and illegal, but also abhorrent to our sensibilities and ordinary decency and therefore unacceptable,” Musa stated.
The Group explained that the N-Power program has been instrumental in providing employment and skills development opportunities for many young Nigerians, particularly in the north.
“N-Power is a social investment scheme set up by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 under the supervision the then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and transferred in 2019 to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management under Sadiya Umar Farouq.
“As Minister, Farouk made several achievements. One of the key achievements of the ministry under her is the successful launch of the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) through which various social intervention programs are implemented. These programs include the N-Power program, the National Home-Grown School Feeding Program, Conditional Cash Transfer, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program.
“Her tenure also saw significant progress made in other areas. For instance, the ministry worked to improve access to education for children affected by conflict and emergencies through its Safe School Initiative.”
