Pulse.ng : World Population Day: KDSG commits to unlocking youths’ potentials

By Sani Idris abdulrahman

The Kaduna State Government says it its committed to empowering young people in the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission (PBC), Mr Mukhtar Ahmed, made the commitment at a press briefing in commemoration of the 2025 World Population Day, on Wednesday in Kaduna.

The event, organised by the PBC, was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The theme of the years’ celebration is ‘Create Choices, Not Barriers, for Young People to Thrive’.

Ahmed, represented by the Director, Development Aid Coordination of the commission, Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, said that over 60 per cent of the state’s population was under the age of 25.

Ahmed, therefore , emphasised the need to harness the demographic potentials for economic growth.

He said that the state had implemented initiatives such as the Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) programmes to expand access to education.

Ahmed added that the government had increased funding for primary healthcare and reproductive health services.

According to him, these included youth-friendly health corners and access to affordable healthcare through the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme (KADCHMA).

The commissioner also said that the state had incorporated youths inclusion in budgeting and planning processes through the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Citizens’ Budget Engagement Forums.

In spite the efforts, the commissioner acknowledged that barriers were still persisting, including rural access, digital inequality, and limited job opportunities.

He, therefore, restated the state government’s commitment to deepening reforms and collaborating with development partners.

Ahmed urged the stakeholders to plan smartly, invest boldly, and act urgently to build a brighter future for young people.

He thanked UNFPA for its support in advancing youth-centered programming.

In a remark, Audu Alayande, UNFPA’s Head of Office in Kaduna, reiterated their commitment to supporting Kaduna State, particularly in the area of population dynamics and reproductive health.

Alayande, represented by Jamilu Waziri, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to working with the state government.

“The UNFPA is committed to supporting the state’s efforts to empower young people, who are the target of this year’s celebration,”he added.

Alayande highlighted the importance of planning for the future and exploring opportunities that benefit the population.

He expressed appreciation for the leadership of the PBC just as he acknowledged the various interventions and opportunities available to support young people.

Alayande believed that planning for the future begins with individual responsibility and commitment to taking advantage of available opportunities.

Also, the Statistician General of Kaduna State, Dr Bukar Alhaji, emphasised the need for data-driven decision-making to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the state’s growing population.

Alhaji stressed the importance of accurate data in informing policy and planning, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development.

The statistician general also emphasised the role of statistics in helping the state government to better understand the needs of its population and to develop targeted interventions to support young people and promote sustainable development.(NAN)