Bauchi gets commendation over commitment to population development activities

Bauchi State Government has been commended for its unwavering commitment to advancing population and development programmes through its partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) over the years.

The commendation was given by the Country Representative of UNFPA in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, at the 2026 World Population Day celebration held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, on Saturday.

She reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to working closely with the state government to identify and implement strategic programmes that will harness the demographic dividend of the state’s youthful population.

Muriel Mafico commended the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination for its leadership and commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind through collaborations with UNFPA.

She also commended the event’s organising committee, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders, as well as the media for their continued support in promoting sustainable development.

“Together, we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” she said.

Earlier, in a statement read by UNFPA Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst and State Programme Officer, Bauchi, the UNFPA Executive Director, Ms. Diene Keita, stated that its recent Demographic Futures Survey — one of the largest bodies of evidence to date on young people’s life goals with respect to relationships and families — revealed that most still hope for partnership and parenthood, yet many feel they may never see these dreams materialise.

In the statement titled “Young People, Their Choices, and the Conditions They Need to Shape Their Futures,” the Executive Director stated that “we are living through a time of profound demographic change. Some countries have historically large numbers of young people.”

She added: “Others are experiencing rapid population ageing. And many are navigating both. Societies and economies are being reshaped by intersecting crises, rising inequalities and disruptive technologies.”

According to her: “At the same time, information and misinformation are redefining how we perceive the world around us. How do young adults see their lives, ambitions and futures in a world of constant change? This is the question at the heart.”

Diene Keita added: “Today, fragile labour markets, widening inequalities and protracted conflict have left many young people struggling to imagine how they can build the families and futures they want. Some people assume that younger generations have given up on marriage and children altogether.”

She stressed that “our survey tells a different story. Most respondents say their ideal relationship involves marriage. Yet among those who want a partner, many are single and not dating. Economic and housing constraints were the most commonly cited barriers to partnership.”

She further said: “Most of those surveyed also want children — and across most regions, two is the most common ideal family size. But many question whether they will have the stability and security to house and care for them.

“In short, it is uncertainty, not unwillingness, that has young people questioning whether they can start the families they want. In response to changing demographic trends, including ageing and low fertility, governments are exploring a wide range of policies.”

The Executive Director then said: “But policies will not succeed if they pressure people towards particular choices or fail to address the barriers young people themselves identify. As one young community leader told us, ‘This isn’t just about choosing to have fewer children. It’s about having fewer choices.’”

According to her: “What young people are telling us is clear: they need a sense of security to plan for their future, and the agency to carry that plan out. The onus is on leaders everywhere to support these aspirations.”

She assured that “with smart, forward-looking investments in their rights and choices — from housing and healthcare to parental leave and childcare support — young people can exercise autonomy over their bodies and their lives and build the futures they want. They can realise the right to make the most intimate, consequential decisions of their lives.”

Diene Keita concluded: “The world today is full of opportunities, not only challenges. Communities and economies will innovate, develop resilience and thrive when young people can, too. Young people — from North to South, from East to West — have spoken. It’s time to listen. And it is time to help create the conditions that allow them to make real choices, create the families they want and realise their hopes and aspirations.”

As part of the commemoration, an interactive dialogue on the theme “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People Today and in the Future” was held, featuring discussions between young people and key stakeholders.

Participants advocated inclusive policies, expanded employment opportunities, gender equality, quality education, and improved access to healthcare as essential ingredients for enabling young people to thrive.

The event attracted participants from tertiary institutions, youth organisations, security agencies, organisations of persons with disabilities, government ministries, development partners, and civil society organisations.