By: Femi Mustapha
Kaduna State is poised to unlock its demographic dividend, with the Ministry of Youth Development spearheading a comprehensive plan to leverage the state’s youthful population.
Barr. Gloria Ibrahim, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasized the importance of a document that outlines the state’s demographic dividend. However, she noted that its effectiveness depends on public perception.
During an orientation program organized by the Lafiya Project and funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), Barr. Ibrahim expressed gratitude to partners for their efforts in engaging both the ministry and the youth of Kaduna State.
She stressed that addressing the challenges associated with the demographic dividend is not merely the government’s responsibility; it is a shared obligation that requires the involvement of all sectors of society. She assured attendees that the ministry is ready to advance the initiative promptly, despite any potential misconceptions of inaction due to ongoing consultations and discussions.
In his remarks, Mr. Chanan Solomon, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator of the Lafiya Project, expressed his organization’s pleasure in partnering with the Ministry for the implementation of the Demographic Dividends Roadmap. He stated that the Lafiya Project, a health-strengthening initiative, currently operates in several states in the North, including Kaduna.
He emphasized that the Lafiya Project, funded by the FCDO, will provide the necessary support to the ministry for implementing the Demographic Dividends Roadmap for the betterment of both the youth and the state as a whole, along with the technical assistance from the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation. He pledged his organization’s commitment to the initiative.
Yusuf Goje, Executive Director of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, explained that the one-day orientation aimed to increase staff awareness regarding the Kaduna State Demographic Dividends Roadmap, developed in 2024. This roadmap emphasizes government investment in youth across several key areas, including governance, economic empowerment, education, health and well-being, security, equity, and justice.
Hajia Amina Lami Aliyu, from the Project and Technical Coordination Unit at the State Bureau of Statistics, provided an overview of the demographic dividend, highlighting the state’s predominantly youthful population and the need to harness this potential for development. She stressed the importance of addressing challenges such as high mortality rates, fertility levels, and a significant dependency ratio, where a large segment of the population relies on a smaller working base.
Aliyu’s presentation emphasized the need for strategic initiatives to reduce youth unemployment in the state. She cited examples of countries like Singapore and Malaysia, which have made considerable strides in technology, productivity, and economic performance despite facing similar demographic challenges.
The recommendations from her presentation underscored the necessity for a collective effort to tackle demographic dividend issues, involving the government, parents, and young people alike.
The Ministry of Youth Development is expected to take ownership of the roadmap and act as its primary advocate, encouraging other ministries, departments, and agencies to prioritize its implementation. Additionally, the ministry will provide secretariat support to enhance coordination, with oversight from the office of the Deputy Governor.
This event marked a significant step towards harnessing the demographic dividend of Kaduna State, with stakeholders committed to collaborating to promote economic growth, improve living standards, and reduce poverty within the state.
