2026 World Population Day: Commissioner Advocates Empowering Youth for Economic development

2026 World Population Day: Commissioner Advocates Empowering Youth for Economic development 

Youth has been identified has major pillars of connection to human development as platform for training Youth programme is not just a workshop; it is the beginning of economic independence and access to creating jobs for the youth.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, made this submission while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 World Population Day celebration held in Abeokuta. The event, themed “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People - Today and for the Future,” was organised by the Ogun State Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund(UNFPA) and other stakeholders.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and also Member, Ogun State Bureau of Statistics Governing Board, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, the Commissioner noted that youth empowerment and employment generation remain critical priorities of the present administration in Ogun State.

He emphasised that young people are seeking fair opportunities to work, innovate, create and earn a dignified living. He further stressed the need for a strengthened approach to youth development, stating that every trained young person must be linked to opportunities, while entrepreneurship programmes should be backed with adequate business support. According to him, skills acquisition centres must also align with current market demands to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

He described education as a vital bridge between population growth and economic development, warning that a large population without adequate education could become a liability. Conversely, he said a well-educated and skilled youthful population represents a valuable demographic asset.

Also speaking, the State Director of the National Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Olumide Akinbogun, disclosed that the global population is estimated at about 8.3 billion, while Nigeria’s population stands at approximately 242.4 million.

He, however, noted that these figures remain projections, stressing the need for more accurate and reliable population data. Akinbogun called for strengthened vital statistics systems, including proper documentation of births, deaths, marriages, divorces and migration data, to enhance effective planning at all levels.

In his submission, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development, Hon. Babatunde Delu, represented by the Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr. Akolawole Soremi, described the theme as timely and thought-provoking. He noted that Ogun State recognises its youthful population as one of its greatest assets.

"When young people are included in policymaking and given access to quality education, the sky becomes their starting point", he said.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Statistician-General, Mrs. Omolara Adebayo, explained that World Population Day is observed annually to raise awareness about population-related issues and their implications for sustainable development.

Adebayo highlighted the importance of investing in young people, noting that the future of any nation largely depends on how well it nurtures its youth. She urged governments, development partners, parents and educators to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.

“When young people are equipped with quality education, relevant skills, good health, accurate information and equal opportunities, they become drivers of innovation, economic growth and sustainable development,” she said.

Speaking with journalists, one of the participants, Oladipupo Fagbola, appreciated the state government for the initiative, noting that the lecture broadened his knowledge of available opportunities. He urged young people to take advantage of the digital age.

Highlights of the event included a symposium featuring key stakeholders such as the Director of the National Population Commission in Ogun State, Adenuga Olayinka; Akinpelu Akintayo; a member representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Nigeria Youth Parliament, Sonde Ikohkoh Iyanuoluwa; Girl-child Advocate Joy Erikitola; Olufemi Bashorun; and the State Secretary of the NYCN, Dotun Opaleye.