UNFPA Urges Bauchi Govt to Invest in Youth Demographic Dividends

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has urged the Bauchi State Government to allocate resources and establish systems to harness the demographic dividend of its youthful population.

This call was made by UNFPA Resident Representative Dr. Gifty Addico in a goodwill message delivered at the Banquet Hall Bauchi Government House at a high-level sensitization meeting with key decision-makers and traditional rulers.

The meeting, organized by the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with UNFPA, emphasized the importance of strategic investments in health, education, empowerment, and political participation to accelerate development.

Dr. Addico, whose message was delivered by the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and State Programme Officer, Deborah Tabara, highlighted that the demographic dividend program remains a promising strategy for empowering young people and accelerating development.

On their part, the Bauchi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the potential of its youthful population through investments in education, health, employment, and gender equality.

Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, stressed that harnessing the demographic dividend is crucial for accelerating economic growth and development, aligning with the Bauchi State Development Plan.

“With over 60% of Bauchi State’s population under the age of 25, the government recognizes the need to invest in education, reproductive health, decent employment, and gender equality to ensure every young person can fulfill their potential”, said Hammayo.

Hajiya Amina Mohammed Katagum, State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination, described the workshop as part of a long-term strategy to unify development planning around a demographic dividend roadmap. She emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering multisectoral collaboration with development partners to harness the potential of its young population.

Our correspondent reports that, a similar sensitization meeting was earlier held with members of the academia, who play a vital role in data gathering, research, and policy development