The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu on Thursday emphasized that a robust and efficient civil registration system is pivotal to national development and governance.
She made the assertion at the official Launch of the 2024 UNICEF/Renewed Hope Initiative Commemorative Birth Certificate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
She noted that the renewed drive for the registration of every life birth will help the nation achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 16.
The wife of the president said: “It is important to note that a robust and efficient civil registration system is pivotal to our development and governance. This ensures that every live birth is recorded, and forms the basis for policy, planning, and service delivery that meets the needs of all Nigerians.
“This is more than an administrative task; it provides the foundation for our social security.”
She highlighted the benefits accruable to any society which prioritizes birth registration which includes proper and adequate planning by government.
“Our children, the treasure of our nation, should be guaranteed their rights and privileges from the onset. A well-functioning civil registration and vital statistics safeguards these rights and ensures that no violation goes unnoticed.
“To all parents, birth registration is very vital. It is the child’s legal proof of identity, as a Nigerian, without which children will not be fully recognised by the Government. They could miss out on the government’s provision of healthcare, education and other social amenities.
“Without a birth certificate, children will be unable to prove their age and this puts them at a great disadvantage.
I therefore encourage all parents to register the birth of their children and obtain authentic birth certificates recognised by the government,” she added.
The First Lady explained that the commemorative birth certificate will run from 29th August to 31st December, 2024, saying: “That is why, the Renewed Hope Initiative is launching the 2024 Commemorative Birth Certificate to support the Government’s Birth Registration Drive. This particular certificate will be issued by the National Population Commission for all births from 29th August, 2024 to 31st December, 2024 with the RHI logo.”
The UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Christian Munduate appreciated the efforts of the Nigerian government in ensuring that no birth goes unregistered, especially with the introduction of technological methods to ramp up the statistics.
“Nigeria has done a lot and now with the First Lady lending her voice and her initiative, I am sure we will achieve the desired mark,” she said.
On his part the Dein of Agbor His Royal Majesty. Dr. Benjamin Keagborekuzi, noted the pivotal role women play in achieving success in all aspects of life.
The Paramount ruler also urged youth to be patient with the present administration.
Other traditional rulers present, including the Ooni of Ife, Emir of Shonga, Etsu Nupe and the Tor Tiv lent their voices to the cause saying the availability of birth data forms the basis for the country’s social security.
There was the symbolic electronic registration of children at the event.
Also present were wives of State Governors who are to cascade the drive to enhance birth registration to their various states.
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