From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
As Kaduna State’s population is projected to reach 12.9 million by 2030, with over 80% of residents under the age of 40, civic groups are urging a strategic approach to harness this demographic dividend.
Seth Kuyet Luke, Chair of the Planning Committee, in a statement made available to the media on Sunday, stated that the Civic Space Public Policy Dialogue aims to generate ideas that will help transform this demographic reality into economic prosperity.
The dialogue, themed “Harnessing Kaduna’s Demographic Dividend: Mainstreaming Digital-Green Twin Transition into the State Youth Policy,” is scheduled for January 21, 2026.
This event is organized by the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, Ihifix Innovation Foundation, the Youth Advocacy Coalition on the Demographic Dividend Roadmap, and BREDPAC/Institute of Policy & Budget, Africa, with support from key partners, including the FCDO-Lafiya Programme.
The dialogue’s primary goal is to address the systemic gap between government frameworks and the dynamic ecosystems of technology and climate action.
With youth unemployment estimated at 44%, the organizers aim to integrate gig economy incentives and green job opportunities into the core of the state’s youth policy.
The program will include a Fireside Chat featuring senior state officials and young innovators, followed by intensive breakout sessions. A unique “Green-Tech Pitch” will also enable local youth entrepreneurs to present their proof-of-concept innovations directly to policymakers.
The event will conclude with the presentation of a technical communiqué and a structured proposal for a new thematic chapter to be included in the revised policy, ensuring that the state’s youth become the primary architects of a resilient and digitally advanced future, according to Seth Kuyet Luke.
