The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the Safe Nigeria Initiative, a youth-focused programme designed to equip 11,000 young Nigerians with practical skills, business guidance, and psychosocial support. The programme aims to reduce youth involvement in crime, violent extremism, and other unlawful activities by providing training and opportunities that keep them productive in their communities.
Also called Youth Empowerment for Peace and Resilience, the initiative was launched in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Goals of the Safe Nigeria Initiative
The programme focuses on providing skills, support, and opportunities for young people, targeting the root causes of insecurity. Key objectives include:
Providing technical and vocational skills for jobs and income generation.
Offering entrepreneurial guidance to help youths start and run small businesses.
Teaching peace and civic awareness to promote responsible citizenship.
Offering counseling and emotional support to help young people cope with stress, trauma, or social challenges.
Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the NCTC, said:
“Young people who are economically productive, socially included, and supported are less likely to be drawn into crime or extremist groups. The programme helps them gain skills, find work, and participate positively in their communities.”
How the Programme Will Work
The initiative will be implemented nationwide, targeting youths in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities. It will include:
Training sessions in vocational skills like carpentry, tailoring, ICT, and electronics.
Entrepreneurship workshops that teach business planning, finance, and marketing.
Peace and civic education programmes that promote understanding, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Counseling services for youths dealing with trauma or social exclusion.
Mrs. Delu Yakubu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs, said the programme is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on practical solutions to insecurity and unemployment.
Young people interested in leadership and education can explore the Teach For Nigeria Fellowship, which offers teaching and community development experience
Stakeholders and Partners
The Safe Nigeria Initiative is being coordinated by multiple government agencies, including:
National Security Adviser (NSA) – overall programme oversight.
National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) – managing youth selection and training logistics.
Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction – providing humanitarian and psychosocial support.
State governments and local authorities – facilitating community engagement and monitoring implementation.
The initiative also involves collaboration with community leaders, NGOs, and youth groups to identify participants and provide ongoing mentorship.
Who Can Participate
The programme targets youths aged 18–35 who are:
Living in vulnerable or conflict-affected communities.
Out-of-school, unemployed, or at risk of involvement in crime.
Interested in learning vocational skills, starting a business, or taking part in civic programmes.
Selected youths will be provided with training materials, work tools, and guidance. Some may also receive stipends or allowances to support participation during training.
Youths interested in technology can join the Train and Employ programme in Enugu, training participants in cybersecurity, digital marketing, and software engineering
Timeline and Next Steps
The Safe Nigeria Initiative is expected to run in phases, with 11,000 youths trained over several months. Beneficiaries will:
Register through local government or community outreach programmes.
Attend training sessions at designated centres or online modules where available.
Participate in entrepreneurship and civic awareness workshops.
Receive mentoring and follow-up support after training completion.
Participants are encouraged to remain engaged, complete all sessions, and apply learned skills in their communities.
Students seeking financial support for education or skill acquisition can apply for the NELFUND student loan programme, offering interest-free loans to eligible Nigerian students.
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