Chris Infotainment

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 resour...

Population Shifts Highlight Deepening Demographic Crisis The ongoing trend of low birthrates and an aging population has led to a significant demographic shift. The number of people in their 20s has sharply declined, becoming smaller than the elderly population aged 70 and above for the first time. This marks a historic moment in the country’s demographic history, as the once-largest adult age group is now the smallest. According to data from the Population and Housing Census released by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the population in their 20s last year was 6,302,000, a decrease of 193,000 compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the population aged 70 and above reached 6,543,000, surpassing the 20s population by 241,000. This is the first time since 1925 that the 20s age group has fallen below those aged 70 and above. 20s Overtaken by Those Aged 70 and Above The decline in the 20s population has been consistent over the past four years. It peaked at 7,030,000 in 2020, an...

A Vision for Youth Empowerment Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe, a television talk show host and gospel singer, has taken a significant step in her journey of community service by unveiling the Ehiliz Support Initiative. This non-governmental organisation is dedicated to empowering vulnerable youths and guiding them away from destructive lifestyles. The initiative was officially launched during the week in Lagos, marking the formalisation of a project that Ehigiamusoe has been running for over a decade. The Ehiliz Support Initiative focuses on young people aged 18 to 30. It offers a comprehensive approach to youth development by providing entrepreneurial and vocational training in information and communication technology (ICT) and other trades. In addition to this, the initiative includes mentorship and career guidance through partnerships with seasoned professionals. These efforts are aimed at equipping young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to become self-reliant and contribute ...

Population Trends in the Capital Region Over the Past Two Decades Over the past 20 years, there has been a consistent trend of population movement within South Korea. The youth population, defined as individuals under the age of 40, has shown a net inflow into the capital region, driven by the pursuit of employment opportunities. In contrast, the middle-aged population (aged 40–64) has experienced a continuous net outflow since 2007, indicating a shift in demographic patterns. According to recent data released by Statistics Korea, the capital region—comprising Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi—has maintained a larger population than non-capital regions for the last four years, starting from 2020. This trend is expected to continue for the next three decades, with the proportion of the population living in the capital region projected to rise from 50.2% in 2020 to 51.6% in 2030 and further to 53.4% by 2052. Although the capital region saw its first net outflow in 2011, it has returned to a...

Empowering Pakistan's Youth Through Digital Skills At a recent graduation ceremony for the Skill-Up Batch-II program at Iqra University in Karachi, an advisor to the Finance Minister emphasized the critical role of equipping Pakistan’s youth with digital skills. The event celebrated 80 students who successfully completed an eight-week training program covering various fields such as web development, digital marketing, video editing, animation, mobile app development, and vlogging. The initiative was supported by industry experts who provided mentorship throughout the course. The advisor highlighted that young people are not just the future but the current drivers of innovation and progress. He encouraged the graduates to step out of their comfort zones, make their mark, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Pakistan's digital industry. "Now is the time to take action, create an impact, and help shape the country's economic landscape," he said during his a...

Transforming Dreams into Reality Imagine a young woman in Cox's Bazar who has never stepped outside her home alone, whose world is limited to the confines of her small home. She dreams quietly of opening a tailoring shop, of earning enough to support her family, and of a life beyond uncertainty. For years, those dreams seemed impossible. But one day, an opportunity arrives. This is the story of many young women and men across Cox's Bazar, both from host communities and Rohingya refugees, whose hopes were once whispers. When the International Rescue Committee (IRC), together with local partners, reached out to them, they found the training, support, and confidence to turn dreams into reality. Maimuna remembers the moment she saw her name on the Youth Development Center list. "I didn't know exactly what I'd do," she says, "but I knew I would learn skills to help my family." Today, she sells vegetables and makes dresses in her locality. Mofidul, 21,...

Empowering Youth for National Transformation Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of youth engagement in shaping Pakistan's future during a significant event. He highlighted that under the Youth ki URAAN initiative, one million young people are being mobilized to form the URAAN Youth Force. This network of social entrepreneurs is focused on achieving national goals through innovation and collective effort. The minister addressed the closing ceremony of the URAAN Summer Scholars Program and the Young Parliamentary Development Council (YPDC) Fellowship. He described URAAN Pakistan as a practical roadmap aimed at transforming the economy on sustainable and strong foundations. His main message was about connecting the youth with the national transformation agenda and channeling their energy toward constructive and positive thinking. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of participants, including overseas scholars f...

The Silent Crisis: Mental Health Challenges Among Pakistan's Youth In recent years, a growing but often ignored issue has been quietly impacting the lives of many young people in Pakistan—mental health. This crisis is particularly evident among students, who face a combination of academic pressure, fear of unemployment, and exposure to harmful social media culture. These challenges are compounded by a lack of professional support systems, leaving many young individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout. Despite the severity of this problem, mental health remains a topic that is rarely discussed openly in homes or institutions. The stigma surrounding mental illness continues to prevent many from seeking help, further exacerbating the situation. According to global health organizations, nearly 10-15% of Pakistan’s population suffers from some form of mental illness, with an alarming increase observed among students following the pandemic. This rise in mental health i...

Empowering the Youth Through Technology and Collaboration In a significant move to foster youth development in the Niger Delta region, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called on young people to embrace modern technology as a tool for collaboration and partnership. This initiative was highlighted during the 2025 International Youth Day celebration, which was organized by the NDDC in conjunction with the Ganvic Empowerment Initiative in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State. Dr. Ogbuku emphasized that the event focused on the importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving youth development. He pointed out that the current era is defined by rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence. “We are using this platform to encourage the youth to leverage on the current trend to advance their course of being partners in development,” he said. He added that by engaging with innovative ideas and the latest technolo...