As we celebrate World Population Day 2025, we stand with the Government of Nigeria, the National Population Commission, and international partners to call on leaders to listen to young people and support their needs. Young people deserve the rights, tools, and opportunities to build their own futures.
The theme for this year is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world.” This theme reminds us how important it is to give young people, especially in Nigeria, the right information and support to make smart choices about their sexual and reproductive health.
In Africa, young people make up a large part of the population. That’s why it’s more important than ever to give them proper health information and services. This helps to create a fair and inclusive society for everyone.
It’s been 30 years since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), which encouraged putting people first in development. Since then, many improvements have been made—more access to reproductive healthcare, fewer mothers dying in childbirth, and more gender equality.
But many young people still face problems. They deal with stigma, wrong information, and limited access to health services that are designed for them.
“Helping young people get the right health information and services is about their rights, not just their health,” says Dr. Taiwo Johnson, the Nigeria Director of The Challenge Initiative (TCI), supported by the Gates Foundation and Bayer. “When young people are empowered, they can lead positive changes in their communities.”
In Nigeria and across Africa, local programs and youth organizations are working to close the gap between what young people need and what they can access.
Programs like Life Planning for Adolescents and Youth (LPAY), started by TCI, give young people important education on sexual and reproductive health. Social media is also helping to fight myths and shame around contraception.
Health workers are learning to provide respectful and private care. Community leaders are starting more open conversations about family planning.
TCI is also helping through training, media work, and local outreach. It plays a big role in making health services more friendly and accessible for young people.
“This World Population Day is a strong reminder not to forget young people,” says Abiodun Ajayi, an LPAY Champion and head of the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI) in Lagos.
“We need investment in better education, stronger health systems, and good policies that help young people grow and succeed.”
Working Together for Change
Today, DevComs joins TCI and other partners to call on governments, community groups, donors, and the media to invest more in young people’s health and wellbeing. Giving fair access to family planning isn’t just good for health—it helps build a better and more sustainable future.
“Young people must be at the heart of development,” says Suliyat Eletu, Communications Program Officer at DevComs. “Their choices and dreams are important. With the right support, they can lead the way to healthier families and stronger communities.”
