The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, has said that ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health and rights is a key foundation for building sustainable and inclusive societies.
UNFPA Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, made this known in Bauchi, on Thursday, during the 2025 World Population Day celebration organised by the state government.
Kanem explained that governments at all levels must create opportunities for people who want to enjoy the joy and benefits of parenting, to achieve their fertility goals.
According to her, this will give people hope for a better future, one that supports their choices, protects their rights, and helps both parents and their children to succeed.
Dr Kanem, who was represented by Deborah Tabara, the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA in Bauchi, also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working with the state government.
She said the partnership is aimed at using the potential of the state’s large youthful population to create programmes, strategies, plans and budgets that promote inclusiveness and equality.
“UNFPA is a reproductive health agency. Our mission is to make sure every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can reach their full potential,”; she said.
She also explained that family-friendly policies like affordable and accessible childcare, flexible and generous parental leave, and encouraging fathers to participate in care giving can help parents balance their career and family goals.
The Director added that investing in comprehensive sexuality education is important, as it helps people make informed decisions.
She further stressed that building trust and unity between different generations is also very important to ensure fairness and understanding across age groups.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Hajiya Amina Katagum, said this year’s theme highlights the important role young people play in the world, in Nigeria, and in Bauchi State.
Represented by Abubakar Bununu, the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Multilateral Coordination, Katagum said the theme calls on the government and stakeholders to listen to the voices of young people and respond to their needs and desires.
The Commissioner explained that doing so will help them grow, contribute meaningfully to society, and build the kind of families they hope for.
She concluded by saying that it is the duty of governments, the private sector and other key stakeholders to build a fairer, more caring, and more sustainable world, where young people are supported to pursue the kind of lives and families they want.
The theme for the 2025 World Population Day is: “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.”;
