By Lizzy Carr
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commended the Bauchi State Government for its unwavering commitment to advancing population and development programmes through its partnership with the organisation.
The commendation was made by the UNFPA Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, during the 2026 World Population Day celebration held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi.
Mafico reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working closely with the Bauchi State Government to identify and implement strategic programmes that will harness the demographic dividend of the state’s youthful population.
She also praised the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination for it’s leadership and collaboration with UNFPA in promoting inclusive development.
According to her, sustained partnerships among government, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, and the media are essential to ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Together, we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” Mafico said.
Earlier, the statement of the UNFPA Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita, was delivered by the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA Bauchi Office, Deborah Tabara.
The statement focused on Young people their choices and the conditions they need to shape their future highlighting the need to create conditions that enable realize this ambition.
It noted that although many young people across the world still aspire to marriage and parenthood, growing barriers such as unemployment, economic uncertainty, widening inequality, housing challenges and protracted conflicts continue to threaten those aspirations.
The statement urged governments to adopt policies that expand young people’s choices rather than limit them by investing in quality education, healthcare, housing, childcare support, decent employment and social protection.
In a keynote address, Bauchi State Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Mohammed Katagum, described the theme, “Realising the Hope and Aspirations of Young People Today and in the Future,” as timely, noting that Nigeria’s future depends on the opportunities created for its young population.
She stressed that young people require quality education, accessible healthcare, including reproductive and mental health services, decent jobs, entrepreneurship opportunities, financial inclusion, digital literacy, security and an enabling environment to achieve their aspirations.
Katagum also emphasised that reliable population data remains critical for effective governance, evidence-based budgeting, equitable resource allocation and sustainable development.
She highlighted the National Population Commission’s role in birth registration, civil registration, demographic surveys and population data management, describing every registered birth as a gateway to education, healthcare, legal protection and other essential services.
According to the commissioner, the Bauchi State Government remains committed to strengthening education, healthcare, agriculture, enterprise development, infrastructure, social protection, women’s empowerment and youth development through strategic planning and budgeting.
An interactive dialogue held as part of the commemoration brought together young people and key stakeholders to discuss ways of realising the hopes and aspirations of young people today and in the future.
Participants called for inclusive policies, expanded employment opportunities, gender equality, quality education and improved access to healthcare as essential measures for empowering young people to reach their full potential.
The event attracted participants from tertiary institutions, youth organisations, security agencies, organisations of persons with disabilities, government ministries, development partners and civil society organisations, while goodwill messages from stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth-focused population and development initiatives.
