By Isaac Aregbesola
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has inaugurated the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative (LEI), a project aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism by empowering 10,000 Nigerian vulnerable youth and women.
The National Coordinator of NCTC, Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA), Maj.- Gen. Adamu Laka, while unveiling the programme on Thursday in Abuja said that the initiative would improve community resilience and reduce vulnerability to extremist recruitment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative was unveiled in collaboration with Giving to the Needy Mission International (GINMI).
Laka, represented by the centre’s Director of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Amb Abimbola Wonosikou, said the scheme focused on agricultural value chains, providing skills and capacity building, start-up resources, and market linkages to beneficiaries.
He stated that the initiative addresses underlying drivers of instability, providing skills, resources, and market linkages in agricultural value chains.
“The project is a strategic security intervention, replacing vulnerability with capability and despair with a career, aligning with Nigeria’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism framework.
“The initiative is expected to drive security and stability in Nigeria, reducing recruitment risks and promoting economic resilience.”
He commended GINMI for conceptualising the initiative, reflecting a deep understanding of development and security dynamics, urging stakeholders to support its implementation.
Laka described LEI as a strategic security intervention, rather than a mere development programme.
“The project aligns with Nigeria’s Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism framework, addressing structural drivers of radicalisation, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening community-based prevention mechanisms.
“The NCTC aims to improve community resilience and reduce vulnerability to extremist recruitment, supporting at-risk populations, especially youth and women.
“The initiative is a “soft-approach” strategy to counter-terrorism, focusing on human security and community-based prevention mechanisms,” he said.
According to him, the initiative highlights the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to national security, with sustainable peace built on human security.
He urged strategic partners, development agencies, and stakeholders to support the implementation of the initiative.
Participants at the inauguration of the Livelihood Empowerment Initiative (LEI), a project aimed at preventing and countering violent extremism, on Thursday in Abuja
The Board Chairman of GINMI, Dr Reuben Egwu, in his remarks stated that the initiative addressed the economic drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, replacing vulnerability with capability and despair with a career.
“The LEI is a proactive, non-kinetic security strategy that addresses economic hardship, a significant driver of insecurity, by empowering youth and women through agriculture.
“The project targets 10,000 vulnerable youth and women across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, providing intensive training in Best Agronomic Practices and start-up grants.
“The initiative focuses on value chains, including cassava processing, rice and maize cultivation, poultry rearing, and fish farming, guaranteeing market access and eliminating post-harvest losses.”
According to him, the implementation will be structured in close coordination with the ONSA, with a phased rollout across the target states.
He said that the initiative aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals, targeting poverty eradication, zero hunger, and promoting gender equality and decent work.
“GINMI seeks partnership and funding from the private sector, diplomatic corps, and international community to scale the intervention.
“The initiative is expected to create 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, boosting household incomes and contributing to the national economy.”
He said that the LEI was a testament to Nigeria’s collective resolve to address economic vulnerability and build resilience against extremist ideologies.
The Borno Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, lauded the scheme and pledged the state’s support for its implementation.
Others who also pledged support for the initiative were Dr Dayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Abisayo Akinadeju of Project One.
Also, Amadu Ibe, Executive Director, Women and Child Care Foundation and Dr Iyke Ezeugo of DoGood Foundation for the Needy, USA, commended the initiative. (NAN)
The event was attended by stakeholders, development partners, and representatives of civil society organisations.(NAN)
