2024 Population Day: People may be hard to reach, but no one is unreachable – UNFPA

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria has stressed the need for all and sundry at this moment to commit to doing more to ensure that our data systems capture the full range of human diversity so that everyone is seen, can exercise their human rights and can reach their full potential.

UNFPA Nigeria represented by a Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara who was spoke at the 2024 celebration of the World Population Day held yesterday at the State Secretariat in Bauchi pointed out that though there is much to be celebrated but still much work to be done.

She noted that it is a moment to ask who is still going uncounted and why and what these may cost individuals, societies, and our global efforts to leave no one behind, adding that thirty years on from Cairo, there’s much to be celebrated but still much work to be done.

According to her, “People may be hard to reach, but no one is unreachable. To realize the rights and choices of those pushed to the margins of our societies, we have to count them because everyone counts. Our rich human tapestry is only as strong as the weakest thread”, Tabara said.

The analyst explained that when data and other systems work for those on the margins, they work for everyone, and thus how progress accelerates for all, stressing that UNFPA looks forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to leave no one behind, count everyone.

The Gender Analyst assured that UNFPA stands ready to support the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to harness the power of inclusive data to build resilient systems and societies, saying inclusive data is not an end in itself; but a means to informed decision-making.

Deborah Tabara explained that decision-makers shape policies, programmes, strategies, plans, and budgets that promote inclusivity and equality, and “Together with you, we can forge a future where every person is counted, every community is acknowledged, and every need is addressed”.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Nigeria, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra had earlier in his remarks, noted how these data can or are readily available to all- decision-makers, planners, civil society organizations, businesses and citizens in order to shape policies, direct actions, advise on development options, and permits governments to be held to account, in a way that truly reflects the needs of everyone.

Hon. Nasir Kwarra said the population day celebration with the theme “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All “is a reflection of the outcome of both global and regional reviews and evaluations of progress and achievements attained in the last three-decades of the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

“The outcome is reported at national, regional and global levels. In particular, Africa showed a dearth of data/information and sufficient evidence to explain situations, track implementation, measure achievements, extent of progress and identify benefits and improvements on peoples’ well-being or transformation.”

“To demonstrate how worrisome the outcome was, the 2024 State of the World Population Report (SWOP), launched in Nigeria on April, 24th this year, dedicated its chapter three titled “Counting Every Stitch” to highlight the importance of inclusiveness in data collection. One of the features under that chapter (pages 76-81) was on the necessity for African censuses to strive to count everyone”.

Also speaking, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Education, Dr. Jamila Mohammed Dahiru said Population growth brings both opportunities and challenges. “On one hand, a growing population can lead to a vibrant and dynamic society, filled with potentials for innovation and economic growth. On the other hand, it can strain our resources and infrastructure if not managed carefully”.

“This is more reflective in the field of education. As the number of our students increase, we must delve in crucial investment in educational facilities, teacher recruitment and training, as well as provision of other learning resources

DrJamila Dahiru stated that “education is the foundation for a resilient and equitable future. It empowers individuals, fosters social cohesion, and drives economic development. However, to achieve these outcomes, our education system must be tailored to be inclusive and accessible to all.

“This means effective planning and implementing initiatives toward addressing disparities and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education.

“Data as we are all aware, is the bedrock for effective planning and decision making. Recognizing this importance, the Ministry of Education conducts annual school census to collect precise and reliable information, such as the number of schools and students, teachers and the state of infrastructure.

“This data allows us to provide equitable quality education, guiding our plans and activities. Stored in our centralized data bank, this information is vital for accurate education planning and shaping the future and vision of our population. END