Lafiya UK and NPopC Sensitise Yobe MDA’s on Demographic Dividend
By Ahmed I. Abba
The National Population Commission (NPC) also known as NPopC supported by Lafiya UK, a health-focused programme, have jointly organised a two-day sensitisation campaign to educate representatives from various sectors in Yobe State about the concept of Demographic Dividend (DD) and its potential benefits.
The campaign targeted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), religious and youth groups, women’s organisations, Civil Society Organisations, People Living with Disabilities among others.
Malam Usman M. Bura, the Yobe State Focal Person on Human Capital Development, emphasised the alignment between the DD concept and his ministry’s objectives.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the NPC and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals in areas such as health, education, and labour force development.
Hajiya Zainab AbduSale, Director of Budget at the Yobe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, expressed satisfaction with the presentation on the Demographic Dividend (DD) concept.
She emphasised that her ministry plays a crucial role in identifying potential revenue sources and allocating resources effectively across various government sectors.
She said by gaining a deeper understanding of the concept and its implications for human capital development, that would enable her ministry to effectively prioritise and allocate budget resources to support the development of human capital and contribute significantly to the overall economic growth of the state and the nation.
Mr. Zanna Sama’ila, representing youth groups, stated that the sensitisation campaign had broadened his understanding of DD, emphasising that the concept will directly impact young people through advocating for skill development, education, and reproductive health. He therefore called for the integration of DD concepts across all sectors.
Miss Suwaiba AbdulRashid Ilyas, a representative of Grow Strong, a youths organisation, expressed gratitude for the programme, stating that it had provided valuable insights into DD and how individuals can contribute to its realisation. She highlighted the potential of the concept to accelerate Nigeria’s economic transition and growth.
The sensitisation campaign aims to increase awareness of DD and its potential benefits among key stakeholders in Yobe State, fostering a better understanding of how to harness the demographic opportunity for sustainable development.
