The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have commenced a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive to further ensure that Nigerian children have easier access to good education and adequate healthcare services.
While speaking at the workshop, the NOA State Director, Dr. Olukemi Afolayan explained that the sensitization drive is focused on registering children between age 0-5 years of age while also providing them with the National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge.
Dr Afolayan explained that birth registration is vital for national planning and development as it provides up-to-date data usage for other public services, national planning, and development. She also urged all parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centre to make further inquiries and register their children.
“We are calling on all parents, guardians, and community leaders to take part in this crucial initiative. Let’s work together to give every child in Nigeria, the best start in life. By registering their birth. We are not only securing their future, but also contributing to the development of our nation.” Dr Afolayan concluded.
The NPC State Director, Mr Akin Oyetunde, who was ably represented by Mr. Odelakin Adeleke Peter also sensitized stakeholders present that one of the civic responsibilities of NPC includes registration of birth certificates.
The NPC boss explained that the staff and adhoc units have completed training processes and will shortly commence standard registration operations across all 33 local governments of Oyo State and by extension the entire federation. He also assured that in a few weeks, the registration itself will commence immediately with the new digital registration process.
The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Muideen Babatunde Olatunji represented by Mrs Adepeju Mosunmade also made clarity on the importance and benefits of birth registration which include making our children bonafide citizens and more importantly easy implementation of government policies and benefits.
The Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief Iswat Oyinlola, was also present to offer her support for the birth registration drive. She exclaimed that the initiative is a laudable one as it embodies what is practised in the advanced world. She, however, used the opportunity to assure everyone, particularly the NOA and NPC, that she will sensitize and share the good news across all Ibadan Joint Traders’ movements.
Other stakeholders who also took time to offer support and vow to join in the sensitization processes include the Nigerian Union of Journalist, represented by the Secretary Mr Oladapo Olusola; Mrs Duni Ade Alao, the Deputy Director News, NTA Ibadan; Pastor Leye Adefioye, the Oyo State Coordinator for the National Council of Child’s Right Advocate of Nigeria (NACCRAN); Rev Ajibade Adeniyi from Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); League of Imams from Egbeda and Akinyele LG; Baale of Oloka Kingdom, in Egbeda, Chief Moshood Olaleye; and many other community leaders and stakeholders.
