A new wave of activism has emerged in the north as the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI) condemned the region’s worsening poverty and underdevelopment, labeling the North as the world’s poverty capital. Dr. Abdullahi Idris, the Director-General of the movement, issued the stark warning during a high-profile meeting in Kaduna on January 3, 2025.
The meeting, which gathered activists, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the northern states, focused on the alarming challenges facing the region — ranging from insecurity to poor infrastructure and widespread poverty.
“We are the poverty capital of the world,” Dr. Idris bluntly stated, calling attention to what he described as “multidimensional poverty” affecting the region. “Our region is plagued by out-of-school children, deteriorating infrastructure, and a pervasive sense of insecurity,” he lamented, stressing that the North has fallen behind in all indices of progress.
A Region in Crisis
The statement sent shockwaves through attendees and those following the proceedings. The harsh characterization of the North as the world’s poverty capital is not a new claim, but it has gained traction as conditions continue to worsen. The region, which has faced decades of neglect, is grappling with a multitude of issues — from widespread unemployment to failing public services and increasing violence.
Dr. Idris explained that insecurity is among the region’s most pressing issues, noting that it has become unsafe to travel between states due to rampant kidnappings and killings. “You can hardly travel from one state to another without fear. Kidnappings and killings have become commonplace, with entire communities being wiped out,” he said.
The NSYEI, which was co-founded by prominent figures such as former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and activist Najaatu Muhammad, seeks to address these critical issues. The group is focused on youth empowerment and providing solutions to the region’s entrenched problems, with a goal of mobilizing 50 million Nigerians to participate in the cause.
Youth Empowerment for Leadership
A key part of the NSYEI’s agenda is the empowerment of young people, particularly in leadership roles. Dr. Idris stressed the importance of preparing the youth for future leadership positions, citing that the North’s youth are in a “sorry state” when it comes to opportunities. “We aim to prepare the youth for leadership roles while providing them with the necessary guidance, skills, and opportunities to drive change,” he said.
The movement’s founders, Bafarawa and Muhammad, both of whom have long been advocates for northern unity and development, believe that investing in youth is essential to tackling the region’s longstanding challenges. “Our focus is to unite the North, empower our youth, and provide solutions to our region’s challenges,” Dr. Idris explained.
However, while the movement is pushing for positive change, the region’s deep-rooted political and social issues will present formidable obstacles. Dr. Idris emphasized that, in the absence of external help, the region must act decisively to rescue itself. “The North has a lot of problems that require urgent attention. No one is coming to save us, so we must act now to rescue ourselves and secure a better future,” he declared.
Grassroots Mobilization for Change
A defining feature of the NSYEI is its grassroots mobilization strategy. Unlike many political groups, Dr. Idris emphasized that the movement is not aligned with any political party. “Our members are free to join any political party of their choice, but as a movement, we are not political. Our strength lies in the common northerner, and we aim to mobilize grassroots support,” he clarified.
The movement’s ambitious goal is to unite 50 million Nigerians, who will work together to address the region’s issues and hold politicians accountable. Dr. Idris believes that such a large, organized force would make it impossible for politicians to ignore the demands of the North. “With such a number, no politician can disregard us,” he said, stressing the importance of unity in creating a political force that can bring about change.
To further solidify its influence, the movement is in the process of setting up committees focused on critical areas such as education, health, security, and the economy. These committees will work to address the region’s systemic issues in a more targeted and effective way.
A Call for Justice and Equality
One of the movement’s most significant concerns is the inequality and corruption that permeates the region’s public sector. Dr. Idris posed a rhetorical question that many in the North have long wondered: “Why do northerners find it so difficult to secure jobs in public service without paying bribes?”
This issue, which reflects deeper systemic corruption, has further hindered the region’s development. The NSYEI aims to combat these injustices by ensuring that northerners have equitable access to opportunities and that the voices of the common people are heard.
In his call for action, Dr. Idris urged the people of the North to join the movement and fight for their rightful share of the country’s resources. “We will legitimately fight all injustices and ensure that the people get what is rightfully theirs,” he promised.
As the movement gains momentum, with meetings scheduled across the northern states, Dr. Idris remains optimistic about the collective power of the people. “Our region can only be saved through collective action,” he asserted. “It is time for us to take our destiny into our own hands.”
The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative has sparked a powerful conversation about the challenges facing Nigeria’s northern region. With its focus on youth empowerment, grassroots mobilization, and systemic reforms, the movement aims to create a united front capable of tackling the North’s most pressing issues.
While the path ahead is filled with challenges, Dr. Idris and his colleagues are determined to change the narrative for the North. As the movement grows, the question remains: will the people of the North rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity to reclaim their region from the clutches of poverty and neglect?
