NOA partners NPC, UNICEF on birth registration in A’Ibom 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have launched a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive in Akwa Ibom.

The Akwa Ibom Director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom said this during the official launch of a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive in Uyo on Monday.

Mkpoutom added that accurate birth registration provides the Governments with essential data to plan for education, healthcare, and other public services

Our Correspondent reports that the mobilsation exercise will be done in partnership with National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The director said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that every child in the state and Nigeria has access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

He said that the mobilisation drive will run from Sept. to Nov. and would focus on registration of all children aged 0-5 years, providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN), free of charge upon face capturing.

He urged parents and guardians to maximise the opportunity and  register their children and wards at the nearest NPC centre.

The director emphasised that birth registration is the first legal acknowledgement of a child’s existence, therefore, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges both now and in the future.

“We are excited to announce the launch of a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive.

“Birth registration is a fundamental right of every child, and this initiative seeks to highlight its importance to the child, the family, the community and the nation at large.

“Moreover, accurate birth registration is vital for national planning and development, as it provides the government with essential data to plan for education, healthcare, and other public services.

“By registering a child’s birth, families ensure that their children are recognised by the state, which is the first step in protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and statelessness.

“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,”  Mkpoutom said.

In his remarks, Mr. Emmanuel Edem, Akwa Ibom, Director, National Population Commission said that some children are deprived of birth registration simple because their parents could not afford or access it

Edem said that without a birth certificate, children are invisible to their governments and called on parents to embrace the opportunity.

“This means they may miss out on essential programmes, like child protection, health care and education that help secure their most fundamental rights.

“Every child has the right to a legal identity, but a large number of children born today do not “officially” exist.

“These children are deprived of birth certificate which is their first legal proof of existence and identity simply because their parents cannot afford it, cannot reach it, or face some other barrier to accessing registration services,” Edem said.