From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
During a recent two-day media advocacy dialogue, stakeholders emphasized that if properly harnessed, the demographic dividend could lead to increased productivity, higher savings, and greater tax revenues.
The event, titled “Amplifying the Implementation of Kaduna State Demographic Dividends Roadmap through Media Advocacy,” highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, which is estimated at over 70 million individuals under the age of 30. This demographic presents both a significant challenge and an extraordinary opportunity.
Mr. Shamsudeen Sani, Communications Coordinator of the LAFIYA Programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), emphasized that the economic benefits of the demographic dividend “can never be over-emphasized,” noting its strong multiplier effect on the economy and its importance for effective government planning.
Aligning his remarks with the key benefits of the demographic dividend, Mr. Sani noted that:
A well-educated and skilled youth population enhances national productivity, contributing to economic growth.
Improved productivity leads to higher national savings, as more young people enter the workforce.
Increased earnings translate into greater tax revenues, strengthening the government’s ability to invest in development.
He emphasized that expanding access to quality education—especially in rural and underserved communities—is crucial for equipping young Nigerians with the skills necessary to fully participate in the economy.
Mr. Sani also called for the integration of entrepreneurship education into secondary school curricula to nurture a generation of job creators who can contribute actively to Nigeria’s economy.
He further emphasized the importance of vocational and technical training, particularly in key growth sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and information technology, noting that such programs provide immediate employment opportunities for young people.
Additionally, Mr. Sani emphasized the importance of health and nutrition in harnessing the demographic dividend. A healthy and well-nourished youth population, he explained, is more likely to attend school consistently, excel academically, and make meaningful contributions to the workforce. Investment in community nutrition programs, therefore, strengthens both human capital and national development.
Chanan Solomon, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator of the LAFIYA Program, welcomed participants, explaining that the media advocacy dialogue aimed to engage young journalists, content creators, and social media influencers in promoting the implementation of the Demographic Dividend Roadmap.
The dialogue’s objectives included:
– Increasing understanding among young journalists, content creators, and social media influencers about the Demographic Dividend Roadmap and its benefits for Kaduna State.
– Enhancing the capacity of participants to effectively communicate the demographic dividend message through various media channels.
– Developing media content for the implementation of the Demographic Dividend Roadmap, outlining key messages, target audiences, and communication strategies.
– Establishing partnerships between media practitioners, government officials, and development partners to support the implementation of the Demographic Dividend Roadmap.
Earlier, Hon. Mukhtar Zubairu, the Special Adviser on NGOs to the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, launched the LAFIYA program for the dialogue, describing it as a potential game-changer in how demographic dividends are reported.
Media and social media platforms play a crucial role in amplifying Nigeria’s demographic dividend, transforming a youthful population into an engine of national development. They provide timely and accurate information, aiding traditional outlets like newspapers, radio, and television in shaping public opinion, raising awareness of educational and vocational opportunities, and sharing success stories that inspire young people to pursue productive paths. When journalists highlight innovative youth initiatives—whether in agriculture, technology, or the creative industries—they create role models that encourage peers to emulate positive behaviors and invest in their own skills.
Additionally, Alhaji Abdulgarfar Alabelawe, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, stated that when young people are gainfully employed, the allure of illicit activities diminishes. He emphasized the importance of partnerships among the government, the private sector, and civil society in designing curricula that align with market demands, as well as in providing stipends or apprenticeship placements to ensure training is accessible to the most vulnerable populations.
Financial inclusion is another critical aspect. Expanding access to credit, mobile banking, and digital payment platforms can help young entrepreneurs start and scale their businesses, thereby reducing their reliance on illicit financing networks.
In his presentation titled “Understanding Kaduna State Demographic Dividends Roadmap, 2024,” Yusuf Isyaku Goje, Executive Director of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, underscored the need for investment in human capital, especially among the youth, to drive economic growth.
Participant Gabriel Akhuetie, popularly known as Rymboxx, the head of station at Correct FM Kaduna, said the training has exposed them to the demographic dividend roadmap and the importance of having a higher working population and reduced dependency rate.
According to him, he now understands the role the media plays in creating awareness about it, with proper cognisance of the advantages and importance of the implementation of the demographic dividend roadmap.
