The Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, led by Director General Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman, is seeking collaboration with health sector stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
Following the HCD and Data Advocacy Roundtable Discussion in Nassarawa-Eggon and Doma Local Government Areas, Balarabe-Suleiman emphasized the need for collective efforts to address complex Human Capital Development issues, discuss policy frameworks, and engage stakeholders on six key thematic areas.
She noted that Africa’s human capital development lags behind other regions due to numerous challenges, particularly in vulnerable populations and conflict-affected areas.
To accelerate human capital development in Nigeria and Africa, sustained collaboration and advocacy are essential. Balarabe-Suleiman urged stakeholders to support the agency’s agenda, promoting development and empowering citizens to reach their full potential.
The six thematic areas of focus include Health and Nutrition, Education, Labour Force Participation, Youth, Social Development, and Local Government and Community Development, with funding support from Africa Human Capital Development Plus.
“For each of our six thematic areas, we have objectives that speak to the issues at hand which are hindering 100 per cent optimal performance of these thematic areas, and we are hopeful that with our deliberate efforts to neutralize these challenges, the growth and development of the economy will be accelerated.
“We are also hopeful that through Human Capital Development, we will have many people who are better educated and healthier by the year 2030,” she added.
Abdullahi Ibrahim, Youth Leader of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government, expressed gratitude on behalf of the community to the state government for hosting the stakeholders’ engagement.
He noted that the event provided valuable insights into the Human Capital Development agency’s initiatives and progress in its six key areas, enriching their understanding of the agency’s efforts.
“Before now, we did not know the good plans and agendas that the Nasarawa State government has for the youths and the other residents through the Human Capital Development Agency. But we now know these great plans, and we would like to say that we are happy to be part of the roundtable discussion,” he said.
Musa Usman Addra, the Sardaunan Doma, a traditional leader in Doma Local Government, expressed his gratitude to the Human Capital Development Agency for the program.
He pledged to share the knowledge gained from the roundtable discussion with his community, promoting awareness and driving growth and development in the area.
The stakeholders present at the roundtable emphasized the importance of collective support for the state’s HCD Agency to achieve its goals.
They also highlighted the need for increased advocacy to address pressing issues such as inadequate healthcare, subpar education, and youth restiveness, among others, to ensure meaningful progress.
