Kaduna State Takes Bold Steps to Harness Its Demographic Dividend

From:Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

Kaduna State is on the verge of unlocking its demographic dividend, with the Ministry of Youth Development leading the charge to implement a comprehensive plan aimed at leveraging the state’s youthful population.

Barr. Gloria Ibrahim, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth Development, highlighted the significance of a document outlining the state’s demographic dividend. She noted, however, that its effectiveness hinges on public perception.

Speaking during an orientation program organized by the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, with support from the Lafiya Project and funding from 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.

Barr. Ibrahim stressed that addressing the challenges associated with the demographic dividend is not solely 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 prepared to advance the initiative promptly, despite any potential perceptions of inaction due to ongoing consultations and discussions.

Yusuf Goje, Executive Director of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, explained that the one-day orientation aimed to enhance 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, emphasizing the state’s mainly youthful population and the need to harness this potential for development. She stressed the importance of addressing challenges such as mortality rates, fertility levels, and a high dependency ratio, where a large segment of the population relies on a smaller working base.

Aliyu’s presentation underscored the necessity for strategic activities to reduce youth redundancy in the state.

She cited examples of countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, which have made significant strides in technology, productivity, and economic performance, despite facing similar demographic challenges.

The recommendations from the presentation highlighted the need for a collective effort to tackle demographic dividend issues, involving 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.