By Nonye Ekwenugo
Kaduna
Kaduna State has taken a decisive step to harness the economic potential of its youthful population with the formal inauguration of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to accelerate the implementation of the Kaduna State Demographic Dividend Roadmap 2024. Stakeholders describe the move as a national reference point for deliberate youth-focused development.
The inauguration, convened by the Ministry of Youth Development, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, youth groups and the media, marking a transition from policy formulation to structured implementation.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, said the establishment of the TWG was a critical milestone in Kaduna’s demographic dividend agenda.
“Today’s meeting marks the formal inauguration of the Technical Working Group for the Kaduna State Demographic Dividend Roadmap,” Barrister Ibrahim said. “This transition from planning to implementation reflects the strength of partnership and collaboration. Together, we will build a state where every young person is equipped, empowered and encouraged to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to partners, including the LAFIYA Programme, and all stakeholders whose expertise and commitment had driven the initiative to this stage. She added that the Ministry would provide consistent leadership to ensure the roadmap delivers measurable outcomes for young people across the state.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the LAFIYA–FCDO Programme, State Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator, Chanan Solomon, commended Kaduna for emerging as a model state in demographic dividend implementation.
“Our goal was to see tangible achievements before the end of the year, and I am glad to report clear evidence of progress,” Solomon said. “Kaduna currently stands out among states where similar programmes are being implemented. However, sustainability requires institutionalising the roadmap to protect it from shifting funding priorities or policy changes.”
Solomon also gave special commendation to Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation and its Executive Director, Yusuf Ishaku Goje, for providing technical guidance that has strengthened the initiative. The media, especially ProcyonRTV, was acknowledged for documenting the process, which is critical to transparency and accountability.
Also speaking, the Special Senior Assistant to the Governor on Student Matters, Amina Sani Bello, assured stakeholders of strong government backing. She noted that youth and students are inseparable and that the initiative would positively shape Kaduna’s future.
“Kaduna’s policies often set the pace for other states. With the Governor’s support, I am confident this programme will not only meet expectations but surpass them,” Bello said.
The Executive Director of Civic Impact for Sustainable Development Foundation, Yusuf Ishaku Goje, described the inauguration as a historic milestone. According to him, the multi-stakeholder implementation and accountability mechanism will ensure wider youth engagement and deepen ownership of the roadmap. He also described the initiative as a potential “Kaduna Template” for other states.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Al-Amin Murtala Dabo, formally accepted the mandate on behalf of the TWG. He stressed that Kaduna’s governance culture demands results and noted that other states often replicate Kaduna’s model.
“Kaduna is already a reference point nationally. We must rise to the challenge and deliver measurable outcomes,” he said, thanking partners, civil society organisations and participants for their commitment.
With the inauguration of the Technical Working Group, Kaduna State has moved decisively from policy design to structured action, positioning the Demographic Dividend Roadmap not just as a development plan, but as a blueprint for leveraging youth potential to drive long-term socio-economic growth across the state.
