Workshop urges stronger data management to drive Yobe’s HCD–DD agenda
By Ahmed I Abba
Participants at the five-day capacity-building workshop on Human Capital Development and Demographic Dividend (HCD–DD) have called for stronger demographic data management to accelerate Yobe’s HCD–DD agenda.
The workshop, supported by the Lafiya UK Project, was held from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18, 2025, under the chairmanship of the state Deputy Governor.
It brought together representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and data institutions to strengthen the use of demographic data in advancing the state’s human capital development.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, participants noted that weak technical capacity, data inconsistencies, inaccurate population projections, and lack of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) structures hinder effective data utilisation in the state.
Other challenges identified include the absence of a comprehensive M&E policy, bottlenecks in data release by officers, and inadequate harmonisation of data across institutions.
The communiqué resolved that an effective M&E team should be formed with the support of the Deputy Governor, while data generated must be updated, realistic, and aligned with national frameworks.
It also recommended the establishment or revival of results-oriented M&E units in all MDAs, with data centralised under the State Bureau of Statistics to ensure consistency and comparability.
Participants stressed that policies derived from data and stakeholder consensus should be operationalised, and valuable suggestions from the workshop integrated into state development plans.
They further resolved that Islamic provisions be reflected in planning, given that Yobe is a predominantly Muslim state, and that the HCD–DD strategic plan remain open to periodic review.
The communiqué emphasised the urgent need for an integrated state-level data system to promote seamless management, accessibility, and evidence-based decision-making.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration with national data institutions, enhancing institutional capacity, and embedding data-driven approaches to achieve Yobe’s demographic dividend.
