The Adamawa State Planning Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, the Health Policy Training and Research Programme (HPTRP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UNICEF Nigeria, has commenced a five-day training workshop aimed at developing a roadmap for harnessing the demographic dividend in Adamawa State.

The workshop, taking place at GOFCECON Guest House, Gombe, is designed to strengthen awareness and build the capacity of key stakeholders on demographic dividend estimation and implementation strategies that will accelerate sustainable development in the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Mary B. Paninga, who was ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Purity Timothy, emphasized the importance of strategic investments in human capital development to unlock the benefits of the state’s growing population. She noted that education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation remain critical pillars for achieving sustainable socio-economic growth and maximizing the demographic dividend.

Speaking during the event, the Team Lead of the Health Policy Training and Research Programme (HPTRP), represented by Professor Noah Olasehinde, highlighted the significance of evidence-based planning and policy implementation in harnessing demographic opportunities for development. He commended the collaboration among partners and stakeholders working towards the realization of the demographic dividend agenda in Adamawa State.

Also speaking, the UNFPA Representative, Dr. Taiwo Ibinaiye, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Adamawa State in developing and implementing policies and programmes that will improve the wellbeing of its population, particularly women, children, and young people.

Participants, in the opening session, were taken through presentations on the concept and importance of demographic dividend, demographic dividend programming in Nigeria, and an overview of national and sub-national roadmaps for harnessing demographic dividend. The sessions provided opportunities for knowledge sharing, discussions, and the exchange of ideas on strategies that can support socio-economic growth in Adamawa State.

The workshop brought together government officials, representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, technical experts, and other stakeholders who are expected to contribute to the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the state’s efforts toward achieving demographic dividend and sustainable development outcomes.

At the end of the training, participants are expected to develop actionable recommendations and strengthen institutional capacity for effective planning, coordination, and implementation of demographic dividend initiatives across Adamawa State.
The workshop will last for 5 days.