From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa State Human Capital Development Agency, has disclosed plans to hold a 2-day advocacy workshop on the issues of poor healthcare, gender inequality, poor educational standards, among other issues of concern in the society.
The workshop which is billed to hold from the 23rd to 24th of January 2024 in Lafia, the state capital, is expected to have stakeholders from within and outside the state in attendance to suggest ways on how to tackle these societal challenges.
The Director-General of the State’s Human Capital Development Agency, Habiba Balarabe-Suleiman made the disclosure while speaking with Journalists in Lafia on Sunday.
She said, “Recognising the profound impact of the Human Capital Development on economic growth, societal well-being, and global competitiveness, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to advocate for policies and initiatives that would nurture and harness these invaluable resources.
“The African continent continues to lag in HCD compared to every other region in the world due to a plethora of challenges. The impact of these challenges is especially
pronounced in vulnerable populations and regions experiencing conflict or fragility.
“Therefore, sustained collaborative efforts are needed to accelerate Human Capital Development across the continent, and one pathway to achieving this is advocacy.”
Balarabe-Suleiman mentioned the six thematic areas of the state’s Human Capital Development to include Health and Nutrition; Education; Labour Force Participation; Youth; Social Development; and Local Government Community Development.
The Director General added that other objectives of the workshop were to address the complex issues surrounding Human Capital Development, and navigate policy landscapes, engage diverse stakeholders, and promote inclusivity in development initiatives.
“Therefore, this workshop aims to empower such advocates by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to champion the cause of the Human Capital Development.
“The core objectives of the advocacy workshop are to create awareness and a shared understanding of the national and regional Human Capital Development context; Engage partners and stakeholders in HCD advocacy at the state level.
“Prepare strategies for effective collaboration and partnership for HCD advocacy at the state level; Build the capacity of partners and stakeholders in HCD advocacy monitoring and evaluation; Jointly develop an HCD advocacy implementation plan for the state,” She added.
While explaining that the workshop would employ a participatory and interactive approach, combine expert
presentations, hands-on group exercises and open discussions, Balarabe-Suleiman said the participants would be trained on Thought advocacy leadership for HCD; Effective communication skills and critical HCD advocacy messaging; Developing an HCD action plan, among other skills.