The National Population Commission (NPC) has called for urgent and deliberate steps to harness the potential of Nigeria’s growing youthful population to drive meaningful social and economic development.
This call was made during a sensitization workshop held in Kano, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Lafiya programme.
The event brought together religious leaders, civil society groups, zonal information officers, and the media to deliberate on the demographic realities facing the country.
Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Federal Commissioner of the NPC, stressed the need for intentional investment in young people.
“Nigeria’s youthful population, if properly empowered through education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, can be a driving force for the nation’s development,” he said.
He warned that the opportunity presented by the country’s demographics is not automatic, adding, “The demographic dividend is not automatic. It requires deliberate policies and collective action. We must invest in our people now to reap the benefits tomorrow.”
Also speaking, the Kano State Director of the NPC, Alhaji Balarabe Abdulkadir, said public understanding is key to making the most of the country’s population trends. He urged stakeholders across sectors to work together in turning Nigeria’s youth into a productive force.
A statement issued by Auwalu Musa Yola, Zonal Information Officer for Gwarzo Zone, noted that the workshop served as a platform for open dialogue and learning.
“The workshop served as a platform for dialogue and learning among stakeholders to better understand how to align population issues with national development priorities,” the statement read.
It also observed that the presence of religious and traditional leaders reflected a joint commitment to pushing awareness to the grassroots.
Participants emphasized the importance of integrating population planning into broader development strategies, pointing out that decisions made today would significantly impact the country’s direction in the years to come.
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