Stakeholders from across Kano State converged on Thursday for a one-day orientation workshop to chart new strategies for unlocking Nigeria’s demographic dividend—leveraging the country’s vast youth population to drive inclusive national development.
Organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the FCDO Lafiya Programme, the high-level dialogue brought together religious and traditional leaders, media professionals, civil society groups, and zonal information officers to deepen understanding of population dynamics and promote grassroots ownership of development planning.
In his opening remarks, the Federal Commissioner of NPC in Kano, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Tsanyawa, described the workshop as a strategic step toward aligning Nigeria’s development trajectory with its youthful population.
“Realizing the demographic dividend is not about numbers—it’s about investing in people,” Dr. Tsanyawa said. “It requires deliberate policies on education, healthcare, employment, and youth empowerment.”
He commended FCDO Lafiya for its ongoing partnership in amplifying advocacy efforts across the state, while also recognizing the critical influence of traditional and religious institutions in shaping values and advancing community-driven solutions.
Earlier, the State Director of NPC, Mallam Balarabe Kabeer, welcomed participants with a call for action: “Every stakeholder here has a role in translating demographic insights into tangible change. We must take the message beyond the boardroom—to the grassroots.”
Mallam Kabeer also led a presentation outlining the Commission’s mandate, from census planning and civil registration to population data management for evidence-based policymaking.
The event featured two technical presentations by demographic expert Ameer Sulaiman: “Understanding the Demographic Dividend” and “Harnessing the Dividend – The Journey So Far.” The sessions shed light on Nigeria’s population structure, policy gaps, and the urgency of coordinated action to turn potential into progress.
Stakeholders—including Ulamas, Hisbah officials, NGOs, and media—pledged renewed commitment to spreading awareness on vital issues like girl-child education, family planning, youth employment, and birth registration.
The workshop concluded with a united call for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to ensure Nigeria’s growing population becomes a pillar—not a pressure—for sustainable national growth.