By Monday Danladi
The Executive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Diene Keita has called on governments at all levels to invest more in housing, healthcare, childcare, parental leave and other social protection measures that empower young people to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.
Speaking while marking this year’s World Population Day, in a statement “Young People, Their Choices, and the Conditions They Need to Shape Their Futures,” Diene Keita, who was presented by the agency’s Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst and Bauchi State Programme Officer, highlighted findings from the organisation’s recent Demographic Futures Survey, which examined young people’s aspirations regarding relationships and family life.
According to the survey, while most young people still aspire to marry and have children, many fear they may never achieve those goals due to economic hardship, housing challenges, insecurity and widening inequalities.
She noted that although demographic trends differ across countries, with some experiencing youth bulges and others ageing populations, many societies are being reshaped by intersecting crises, technological disruptions and misinformation.
Keita stressed that uncertainty, rather than a lack of interest in marriage or parenthood, is preventing many young people from starting families.
She warned that population policies would only succeed if they addressed the real barriers facing young people instead of pressuring them into specific reproductive choices.
The Executive Director called on governments to invest in housing, healthcare, childcare, parental leave and other social protection measures that empower young people to make informed decisions about their lives and futures.
She emphasised that supporting young people’s rights and choices would strengthen communities, drive innovation and build more resilient economies.
As part of the commemoration, participants held an interactive dialogue on the theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People Today and in the Future,” where young people engaged policymakers and other stakeholders on issues affecting their future.
However, the UNFPA commended the Bauchi State Government for its sustained commitment to advancing population and development programmes through its longstanding partnership with the UN agency.
The UNFPA Country Representative in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, praised the state government’s dedication to improving the wellbeing of its citizens through strategic collaborations.
Mafico reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Bauchi State Government in designing and implementing programmes that will harness the demographic dividend of the state’s youthful population.
She also commended the Bauchi State Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination for its leadership in promoting inclusive development, ensuring that no one is left behind through its collaboration with UNFPA.
The UNFPA representative further acknowledged the contributions of the event’s organising committee, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the media, for supporting sustainable development efforts in the state.
“Together, we can build a future where every young person has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” Mafico said.
The participants advocated inclusive public policies, expanded employment opportunities, gender equality, quality education and improved healthcare services as key priorities for enabling young people to thrive.
The event attracted participants from tertiary institutions, youth groups, security agencies, organisations of persons with disabilities, government ministries, development partners and civil society organisations.
