The Kaduna State Government has called for increased investment in young people, saying they are essential to unlocking the state’s demographic and economic potential. Speaking during the 2026 World Population Day media briefing, the Commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, Mukhtar Ahmed, said Kaduna’s growing youthful population presents significant opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and social transformation if supported with the right policies and investments.
He noted that this year’s World Population Day theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” highlights the importance of placing youth at the centre of development planning. He added that the state government, under Governor Uba Sani’s SUSTAIN Agenda, is investing in education, healthcare, agriculture, social protection, women’s empowerment, youth employment, digital innovation, and economic inclusion.
The commissioner also praised the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its support in strengthening reproductive health services, expanding access to voluntary family planning, improving maternal healthcare, addressing gender-based violence, supporting adolescents, and enhancing population data systems.
He stressed that achieving sustainable development requires collaboration among government, development partners, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, parents, and the media. READ ALSO: N100m Education Support: Over 900 Ebonyi Students Benefit As Nwebonyi Warns Against Social Vices Kaduna State Director of the National Population Commission (NPC), Maryam Aliyu, said Nigeria’s youthful population—over 60 percent of whom are under 30—makes investments in education, skills development, healthcare, and employment crucial for harnessing the country’s demographic dividend.
She also emphasised the need for gender equality, reliable population data, voluntary family planning, maternal healthcare, and effective urban planning. UNFPA Kaduna Programme Manager, Dr. Elvis Evbofon, commended Kaduna’s strong reputation in population statistics and development planning.
He described the state’s youthful population as a major asset for economic growth and industrialisation, but cautioned that without deliberate investments, rapid population growth could worsen unemployment, insecurity, and poor development outcomes.