Chairman, National Population Commission, NPC, Nasir Isa Kwarra was elated at the theme of this year’s Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS), which started its 11th edition on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the theme encapsulates a decade-long journey of constructive discourse, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts in understanding and addressing the nation’s demographic challenges.
“Over the years, the Annual Population Lecture Series has served as an invaluable platform for us to delve into the intricate tapestry of demographic dynamics that shape our society. It has been instrumental in fostering informed dialogues, sparking innovative ideas, and catalyzing actions that contribute to the well-being and progress of our nation.
Our nation stands at a critical juncture, where the understanding of population trends and their implications on various facets of development is more pertinent than ever. Nigeria’s population growth, coupled with shifting demographic patterns, presents both opportunities and challenges that demand our focused attention, strategic planning, and collaborative action.
Today, as we convene once again, our objectives remain steadfast: to deliberate on pressing issues, explore sustainable solutions, and fortify our commitment towards a future where every Nigerian can thrive. Our discussions will encompass a wide array of topics, from demographic shifts and their socio-economic impacts to the imperative of inclusive policies and programs that address the diverse needs of our population.
Furthermore, I am particularly elated about the launch of the Compendium on APLS 1-10, a testament to our collective efforts in preserving the wealth of insights garnered over the years. This compendium serves as a valuable repository of knowledge, encapsulating the evolution of our discussions and providing a roadmap for future endeavors,” said Nasir Isa Kwarra.
He urged the participants to actively engage, share their perspectives, and seize the opportunity of the lecture to contribute meaningfully to the dialogue. “Let us harness the power of collective wisdom to chart a course that fosters sustainable development, leaving no one behind.”
The NPC chairman however expressed the Commission’s appreciation to the country representative UNFPA, Dr Gifty Addico and the UNFPA for always standing by the Commission whenever beckoned upon.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Population, Senator Senator Abdul Ningi was the special guest of honour at the lecture that also have the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Population, Honourable Okunjimi John Odimayo, who was a co-launcher of the compendium.
The elated Isa Kwarra said, “The esteemed presence of the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Abdul Ningi, the Senate Committee Chairman on Population and Hon. Okunjimi John Odimayo, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Population who is also the Co-Launcher of the compendium shows the support from the legislature and the belief that population related issues is germane to national planning and socio-economic development.”