World Population Day 2026: Kwara Prioritises Youth Development Through Strategic Investment
ILORIN — The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development through strategic investments in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and evidence-based planning.
The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing to mark the 2026 World Population Day at Silvergate Hotel, Ilorin. The theme for this year is Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future. Dr. Arinde described young people as the state’s greatest asset. She noted that with over 60 percent of Kwara’s estimated 4 million population made up of youths and adolescents, deliberate investment in human capital remains critical for sustainable growth.
The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, has commenced development of the Kwara State Demographic Dividend Roadmap. The Ministry has also developed the Kwara State Youth Policy. Both initiatives are expected to provide strategic direction for programmes that will unlock the state’s demographic potential.
Dr. Arinde highlighted several youth-focused programmes of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration. These include the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, Kwapreneur, the Public Workfare Programme, the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent Initiative, and programmes promoting youth and women’s participation in governance.
She commended UNFPA, the National Population Commission, development partners, civil society organisations, and traditional and religious institutions for their support in population management and human capital development. She called for stronger collaboration to improve demographic data systems, noting that reliable population data is essential for effective planning and service delivery.
The Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission, Dr. Isiaka Alada Yahaya, said in his remarks that investing in young people remains the surest pathway to economic growth, innovation and sustainable development. He added that 2026 World Population Day activities in the state will include youth-centred advocacy, media engagements, public awareness campaigns and stakeholder collaborations to amplify young people’s voices and deepen understanding of population issues.
The event also featured presentations on findings from the UNFPA Global Demographic Futures Survey. The survey showed that while many young people aspire to marry and have children, economic uncertainty, limited opportunities and social challenges continue to affect the achievement of those aspirations.
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