By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a digital registration initiative to register the birth of children aged zero to five years.
This was disclosed at a press briefing on the Birth Registration Social Mobilization Campaign held at the Conference Hall, Federal Secretariat Complex, Jos and attended by key stakeholders.
Highlighting the significance of birth registration, the Director General, National Population Commission, Ojogun Tellson Osifo, who was represented by the Director Special Duties and State Operations NOA Abuja, Mr. David Akoji, said birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.
Osifo explained that the collaboration with the NOA, NPC and UNICEF aims to ensure every child’s access to education, healthcare, and essential services.
He encouraged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centers, where children will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) upon completion of the registration.
According to him: “UNICEF is intervening because they have seen that our data for birth registration did not meet the global standard”, he said.
Earlier, the Plateau State Director, NOA, Mrs. Kaneng Pam, noted that the campaign is total as they will be going to every part of the State, down to the Local Government to create awareness.
“We want everybody, especially parents, to know that birth registration should be taken seriously. This campaign will take several months to ensure that everyone is abreast with the new directive”, she said.
