Kaduna Taps Youth Power for Economic Growth

Understanding the Demographic Dividend in Kaduna State

Stakeholders have emphasized the need for the Kaduna State Government to focus on leveraging its young population for economic growth and long-term development. This call comes as part of an initiative aimed at transforming the state’s demographic structure into a productive asset.

At an orientation session focused on the Kaduna State Demographic Dividend Roadmap, Hajia Amina Lami Aliyu, Head of Project and Technical Coordination at the State Bureau of Statistics, highlighted the importance of implementing deliberate policies to turn the youth bulge into a competitive advantage. She explained that the demographic dividend framework is designed to help the state understand its age distribution and the necessary steps to enhance productivity and overall well-being.

"When we talk about demographic dividend, we are referring to the age structure of our society, how we can enhance the potential of our population, allocate resources judiciously, and improve the well-being of the State," she said.

Kaduna has a significant number of young people, and with the right strategies, this demographic trend can become a key driver of economic progress. "We are dealing with millions of young people. When you look at it as an opportunity, you begin to ask what measures and plans we can put in place to harness this population for development and improve productivity."

Hajia Aliyu used examples from countries like Malaysia and Singapore, which had similar demographic profiles but managed to advance through strategic investment and planning. These success stories underscore the importance of proactive policy-making and resource allocation.

Commitment from the Ministry of Youth Development

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Gloria Ibrahim, reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to accelerating the implementation of the roadmap. She stressed that the success of the project depends largely on public perception and the involvement of stakeholders at the grassroots level.

"The document is vital for local governments, but its impact could only be felt if there is a shared sense of urgency among those expected to drive it forward," she said.

She added that whether the process moves quickly, steadily, or slowly now rests in the hands of stakeholders. However, the ministry is fully prepared to proceed once consensus is reached.

Multi-Sectoral Approach to Implementation

The Executive Director of the Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, Yusuf Goje, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the roadmap. He noted that the initiative is multi-sectoral, covering areas such as governance, economic empowerment, education, health, wellbeing, security, equity, and justice.

Goje stated that the Ministry of Youth Development must take ownership of the roadmap and lead its implementation. "The roadmap is not just about policy; it's about action and collaboration across different sectors," he said.

Importance of Awareness and Coordination

Earlier in the event, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator of the FCDO-supported Lafiya Project, Mr. Chanan Solomon, discussed the UK-funded initiative, which focuses on strengthening health systems and implementing policy reforms.

He pointed out that while demography is not a new issue, awareness remains low. Sessions like the orientation are crucial for improving coordination and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts.

Key Areas Covered in the Roadmap

The demographic dividend roadmap includes several critical components:

• Governance: Ensuring effective leadership and institutional frameworks to support youth development.
• Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among the youth.
• Education: Improving access to quality education and vocational training.
• Health: Enhancing healthcare services and promoting wellness among the population.
• Wellbeing: Focusing on mental and physical health, as well as social inclusion.
• Security: Addressing safety concerns and creating a secure environment for all.
• Equity and Justice: Promoting fairness and equal opportunities for all citizens.

These areas highlight the comprehensive nature of the roadmap and the need for coordinated efforts across different sectors to achieve sustainable development.