…engages journalists on how to create improved public awareness
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has advised parents in Nigeria to embrace the Electronic Birth Registration System by registering their children with the National Population Commission due to the various benefits involved.
This is the main thrust of a two-day media dialogue, themed: “A Media Dialogue to Drive E-Birth Registration in South-West Nigeria,” which was put together by UNICEF in partnership with Nigeria Population Commission and the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development.
In her address of welcome, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office Southwest, Celine Lafoucriere affirmed that birth registration is the fundamental rights of every child saying it would give identity to the child and enable government have proper data needed to plan for his or her well-being.
She sought the support of media professionals to help create aggressive awareness about the importance of E-Birth Registration through their various platforms.
She said:”This is gathering of journalists across the southwest of Nigeria, and as you know for us in UNICEF, you are very crucial partners in support of our mission to ensure that every child in Nigeria is given the right to a legal identity.
“Without child registration, those children remain invisible to our governments, making it, of course, a very big challenge to plan adequately for their rights.
“Your platforms are critical for raising awareness with us, for educating the public and holding stakeholders accountable to taking care of those children’s making sure they have a legal identity and access to basic services.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Director of NPC, Bamidele Sadiku noted that the process is seamless and assesibble.
