In a bid to improve healthcare and education standards for residents, the Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency has called upon stakeholders from the 13 local government areas to collaborate with the agency.
Addressing participants after the HCD and Data Advocacy Roundtable Discussion in the Nassarawa-Eggon and Doma Local Government Areas, the Director General of the agency, Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman, stressed the importance of collective efforts in achieving this goal.
During the roundtable, key issues surrounding Human Capital Development were discussed, policy frameworks were addressed, stakeholders engaged on the six thematic areas of the state’s HCD agency, and inclusivity in development initiatives was promoted.
Highlighting the challenges Africa faces in HCD compared to other regions globally, particularly in vulnerable populations and conflict-stricken regions, Balarabe-Suleiman emphasized the need for sustained collaborative efforts to expedite Human Capital Development in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, with advocacy playing a vital role in this process.
She further appealed to stakeholders to align with the agency’s agenda to fast-track development in the state and ensure that all citizens reach their full potential.
Expressing gratitude to Africa Human Capital Development Plus for funding the project, Balarabe-Suleiman outlined the six thematic areas of the state’s HCD Agency, which include Health and Nutrition; Education; Labour Force Participation; Youth; Social Development; and Local Government and Community Development.
“Each thematic area has specific objectives tailored to address hindrances to optimal performance. By tackling these challenges head-on, we aim to accelerate economic growth and development,” she mentioned.
She also expressed optimism that through Human Capital Development, there will be a significant increase in the number of well-educated and healthier individuals by the year 2030.
Appreciating the state government for organizing the stakeholders’ engagement, Abdullahi Ibrahim, the Youth Leader of Nassarawa-Eggon LG, acknowledged the enlightening experience and commended the plans of the HCD agency for the community.
Similarly, Sardaunan Doma, a traditional leader in Doma LG, Musa Usman Addra, pledged to disseminate the knowledge gained from the discussion to enhance the growth and development of the area.
Stakeholders at the roundtable unanimously stressed the need for unified support towards the state’s HCD Agency to achieve its objectives, underlining the importance of heightened advocacy on issues such as inadequate healthcare, low education standards, and youth unrest.