By: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Planning and Multilateral Coordination, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has commemorated the 2026 World Population Day with a renewed commitment to investing in young people as a pathway to sustainable development.
The event, themed “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” featured a keynote address, a paper presentation by Dr. Jamilu Yahaya, and an interactive panel discussion involving young participants.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Budget, Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Muhammad Katagum, said Bauchi’s youthful population represents a tremendous asset capable of driving innovation, productivity and economic growth if adequately supported.
She stressed that government remains committed to expanding access to quality education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, social protection and employment opportunities, while emphasising that reliable population data and birth registration are essential for effective planning, equitable resource allocation and evidence-based policymaking.
She urged parents, communities, religious and traditional leaders, the private sector and development partners to complement government’s efforts in empowering young people and creating an enabling environment for them to thrive.
The statement of the UNFPA Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita which was read by the Bauchi State Programme Officer of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara, underscored that although most young people still aspire to marriage and parenthood, economic uncertainty, unemployment, housing challenges and inequality are preventing many from achieving those goals.
The statement called on governments to invest in young people’s rights and choices through improved healthcare, education, housing, childcare support and employment opportunities rather than policies that pressure them into particular life decisions. It stressed that giving young people security and genuine opportunities would enable them to build the futures and families they desire while strengthening communities and economies.
Also speaking, the UNFPA Country Representative, Madam Muriel Mafico, commended the Bauchi State Government for its sustained partnership with UNFPA in advancing population and development interventions. She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the state to implement strategic programmes aimed at harnessing the demographic dividend presented by Bauchi’s large youthful population.
The commemoration attracted more than 100 young participants from institutions including Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State University, the NYSC, Schools of Nursing and Agriculture, security agencies, ministries and organisations representing persons with disabilities, reinforcing the collective resolve to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to realise their hopes and aspirations.
