By Ehis Agbon, Zaria, Nigeria. 18 November 2025
The Kaduna State Ministry of Youth Development says it is taking decisive steps to revive and mainstream the Kaduna State Demographic Dividend Roadmap 2024, which has remained largely unknown since its development, even as the two-day technical session on advocacy strategies rounds off today in Zaria.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister Gloria Ibrahim, who spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the session, said the roadmap was a vital tool for youth development but had suffered obscurity due to lack of sensitisation and institutional follow-through.
“This programme is very important to Kaduna State and to the youths, because it focuses on the Demographic Dividend Roadmap—a document for the youths and developed by the youths of Kaduna State,” she said.
“Unfortunately, since its development in 2024, the document has not had publicity or sensitisation. It has been in obscurity.”
Ministry to Act as Secretariat for Roadmap Implementation
The Commissioner explained that the Ministry of Youth Development will now take full responsibility for coordinating the document and ensuring it becomes widely known and implemented across the state.
“When His Excellency Senator Uba Sani created the Ministry of Youth Development, the central mandate was the development of the youth. This roadmap aligns with that mandate and with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
“We will sensitise youths and the entire populace. We also hope to establish desk offices in the ministry and in local governments to help push its implementation.”
She added that the ministry would work hand-in-hand with the Office of the Deputy Governor, the coordinating office for the roadmap.
Data at the Heart of Development
Commissioner Ibrahim said the state government is prioritising data for planning and that the ministry currently lacks the baseline data required for effective youth interventions.
“With data, development becomes accurate and impactful. We are working with the Bureau of Statistics to develop a comprehensive youth data system for Kaduna State,” she said.
“Once we have the data, we will produce indices and indicators to support planning for youth development.”
She emphasised the urgency of gathering data on youths with disabilities, noting that they represent a significant demographic that must not be overlooked.
“Youth with disabilities are an important group His Excellency is particular about. We need their data quickly for effective empowerment and development,” she added.
Technical Session Ends Today With Working Group Presentations
Today marks the second and final day of the technical session organised by the Youth Advocacy Coalition with support from LAFIYA, UKAID and partners.
The closing activities include:
- Presentation: Developing Advocacy Materials and Tools
Presenters: Danjuma Dangwa Abbas and Yusuf Ishaku Goje - Working Group Presentations:
Advocacy Briefs for Specific Aspects of the Roadmap
Facilitators: Usman Idris Abdullahi (NYCN), Seth Luke, and Waniya Ilu
Participants presented draft advocacy briefs, tools and communication materials designed to support the roadmap’s rollout across ministries, agencies, LGAs and community structures.
Partners Commended
The Commissioner commended LAFIYA, UKAID and civil society groups for supporting the process.
“The strategic documents coming out of this session are workable. This will not end here—we intend to push it forward, scale it down and ensure it is used for the development of the citizens and the youths of Kaduna State,” she said.
The final advocacy outputs are expected to shape the next steps in institutionalising the roadmap statewide.
