World Population Day: Kaduna Urges Greater Investment In Youths To Drive Economic Growth
15th July, 2026 | News
Kaduna Government Calls for Greater Investment in Youth to Drive Economic Growth
The Kaduna State Government has called for increased investment in young people, describing them as the key to unlocking the state’s economic growth and long-term development.
Speaking during the 2026 World Population Day media briefing, the Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, said Kaduna’s rapidly growing youthful population presents enormous opportunities for innovation, productivity, and social transformation if supported with the right policies and strategic investments.
Ahmed noted that this year’s World Population Day theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” underscores the importance of placing youth at the centre of development planning.
He highlighted the state government’s ongoing investments under Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, including initiatives in education, healthcare, agriculture, social protection, women’s empowerment, youth employment, digital innovation, and economic inclusion.
The commissioner also commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued support in strengthening reproductive healthcare, expanding access to voluntary family planning, improving maternal health services, combating gender-based violence, supporting adolescents, and enhancing population data systems.
Kaduna State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC), Maryam Aliyu, stressed that with more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, sustained investments in education, healthcare, skills development, and employment are essential to harness the country’s demographic dividend.
Similarly, UNFPA Kaduna Programme Manager, Dr. Elvis Evbofon, described the state’s youthful population as a valuable asset for industrialisation and economic growth but warned that inadequate investment could lead to rising unemployment, insecurity, and slower development.
Stakeholders also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government, development partners, the private sector, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and the media to achieve sustainable development and create better opportunities for young people.