Lafiya UK, NPC Train Technical Team to Unlock Yobe’s Demographic Dividend
By Ahmed Abba
Lafiya UK in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) organised a three-day training workshop to equipped a technical team with the necessary skills and knowledge to harness the benefits of Demographic Devivent in Yobe state.
The State Director of the National Population Commission, Mr. Iyawa Dufanda Madagwa, has highlighted the objectives of the workshop on Saturday in Dutse, Jigawa State.
He said the session aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the benefits of demographic dividend (DD) in the state.
Madagwa explained that the workshop would delve into the fundamental aspects of the DD agenda, including its significance and benefits.
He said the participants would be empowered to educate and inform communities about demographic transition and dividend, fostering a deeper understanding of the concepts.
He added workshop would guide participants in identifying and designing strategies to accelerate the implementation of the DD agenda in Yobe state.
“This will involve creating opportunities for the team to articulate their plans for utilising the acquired knowledge to develop and implement community-level activities.” He added.
Al-Sheik Mustapha Damaturu, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Yobe House of Assembly, has expressed optimism about the Assembly’s crucial role to play in achieving the DD agenda.
Damaturu highlighted the Assembly’s constitutional mandate, which empowers it to enact laws and oversee government policies.
He suggested that the technical committee engage with the Assembly through Principal officers and committees to advocate for the DD agenda.
Assuring the committee of the Assembly’s commitment to public interest, Damaturu emphasised the open-door policy for public engagement, particularly on issues of public significance like the demographic dividend.
Malam Audu Sani, Deputy Director Budget, Yobe Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasised the importance of demographic dividend in achieving economic development.
He assured that the ministry would actively support the implementation of the demographic dividend agenda in the state.
Civil society organisations, represented by Muhammed Baba Kuchichi and Muhammed Annur, expressed their commitment to advocating for the demographic dividend agenda and educating stakeholders.
They pledged to intensify their efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the crucial government policy.
Malama Asma’u Bukar Jimbam, from the Department of Family Health, Yobe Ministry of Health, highlighted the significance of reducing maternal mortality and increasing family planning in achieving demographic dividend.
She emphasised the need for parents to prioritise education, avoid child labour, and practice family planning to create a healthier and more prosperous society.
Malam Muhammad Yamta, a Director at Yobe Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Reorientation, assured that the demographic dividend agenda aligns with religious principles.
He therefore encouraged public cooperation and participation to maximise its impact in the state. 
