...to reach about 160 children across 16 LGAs
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have formed a synergy to create awareness on digital birth registration.
The synergy was formed in Ado Ekiti during a programme sponsored by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Addressing newsmen during the awareness programme, the State Director of NOA, Me Akin Adeyemi, emphasized the agency’s significant efforts to mobilize and sensitize key stakeholders on the importance of digital birth registration.
He noted that the program, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has been carefully planned to ensure smooth operations throughout the exercise.
Adeyemi urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the initiative by registering their children between aged 0 to 5.
Mr Adeyemi said the agency would continue to mobilize Nigerians to key into Federal Government policies such as Birth registration, obedience to national symbols, promotion of values and peaceful co-existence.
His words, “We are here to discuss birth registration. The importance of social mobilization, introduced by UNICEF, is critical so that youths in Nigeria and other social intervention programs requiring international assistance can benefit from them.
“This program is being implemented across all states to carry out government policies and community mobilization. Thanks to our structure, we can effectively disseminate information and encourage all Nigerians to participate in government programs and activities.
“We are particularly focused on encouraging women to register their children aged 0 to 5, and we will continue to raise awareness about birth registration”.
In her remarks, the Ekiti State Director of NPC, Dr. Olufunmbi Olowookere, highlighted that leveraging technology will enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of the exercise.
Dr Olowookere explained that it would give room for data accuracy of citizens, enhance national security, facilitate access to education, accurate planning, resources allocation, enhance national security, improved health services among other benefits.
According to Dr. Olowookere, “The digital initiative aligns with the commission’s commitment to harnessing innovation for improved service delivery and better outcomes for Ekiti residents.
“The two-month digital birth registration campaign will focus on children aged 0 to 5, aiming to provide them with digital birth certificates”.
She also mentioned that the NPC has recruited 779 ad-hoc volunteers for the exercise, with a target of registering 156,230 children.
“I would like to emphasize that we have a well-established routine for birth registration, which serves children from birth to 17 years old, and it is an ongoing process. To ensure seamless registration, we have trained NPC Registrars stationed in all our NPC offices, hospitals, health centers, and other locations across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State.
“Birth registration for children aged 0 to 17 is free, although attestation of birth for adults (18 years and above) incurs a fee,” she added.
The representative of NIMC, Ibrahim Olutayo reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to a strong partnership, stating that they will do everything possible to make the exercise a landmark success.
The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Akinwale, represented by ACP Godwin Jen, assured the agency of maximum security, noting that all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state will be directed to maintain law and order during the exercise.
Also, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe who was represented by one his chiefs commended Federal government for coming up with such programme that would help in gathering data of Nigerians, saying such would allow proper planning for all and sundry