In a bid to support the Birth Registration Social Mobilization Drive, stakeholders in Oyo state have converged at the state headquarters of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for proper sensitisation and mobilization towards the success of the program.
At the well attended launching program of the Birth Registration Social Mobilization Drive to Secure Every Child’s Future, Dr. Akanbi, NOA Deputy Director Administration, welcoming the stakeholders to the event, reemphasized the commitment of the agency in community development and sensitisation for government programs and initiatives.
Akanbi further stated that, NOA is saddled with the responsibility of collaborating with other government agencies for the success of programs, policies and initiatives like the one presently ongoing collaboration with National Population Commission (NPC), and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
In her words, the state Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Olukemi Afolayan, appreciated the participating stakeholders and members of the press for their unrelenting support for the activities and success of the agency.
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“This drive is focused on registering all children aged 0-5 years and providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge. 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.”
“Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the nearest registration center of the National Population Commission, NPC, to register their children. The process is simple and free, requiring only supporting documents such as an immunization card or an existing birth certificate of a parent or guardian.”
Afolayan on behalf of the NOA DG, urged for collaboration and working relationships to give every child in Nigeria the best start in life.
Speaking on behalf of the collaborating agency and State Director, Mr. Akin Oyetunde, Mr. Peter Ojelakin of National Population Commission (NPC) explained the role of population commission in social registration processes in the country.
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According to him “NPC is an important agency of the government of Nigeria in planning for the future of the country. And one reason why birth registration is key.”
“For the birth registration drive, the commission has recruited and trained ad-hoc registrars across the country for the assignment that will commence any moment.”
While appreciating NOA for their collaboration in ensuring proper sensitisation and mobilization for the success of the program, Mr. Peter Ojelakin further explained that the Birth Registration will be digital and target children from age 0—5 years.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Adepoju Mosunmade representing the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care, Dr. Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, corroborated the earlier speakers by explaining the importance of birth registration programs nationwide.
“For the fact that the registration is digital is one opportunity that all should embrace for proper data capturing and planning for that government. Primary Health Care (PHC) is one of the important agents of mobilizing for the success of the program as they are dealing with nursing mothers mostly.”
“I am urging all stakeholders present here to key into the drive and help the government in their social planning and for the benefit of our nation’s future. Our children must be captured to benefit from the government programs and initiatives in the nearest future.” She noted.
Encouraging all parents and guardians to make themselves available for the exercise and helping the registrars to have an easy ride, the Iyaloja-General of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs.) Iswat Oyinlola, appreciates the State Director of NOA, Dr. Kemi Afolayan, for her motherly role in ensuring the success of the birth registration drive.
According to her, “Nigeria government is getting it right gradually by digitizing the birth registration as it is important for the nation’s development, and policies, planning and initiatives. And for capturing the age of 0—5 years, for the exercise.”
“I want to further assure all present here that market men and women in Ibadanland will totally support the birth registration drive through sensitisation and mobilization. The Ibadan Joint Traders Association will be duly informed and involved in the process to ensure the success of it.” Iyaloja-General said.
Also joining the conversation, Mr. Sola Oladapo who represents the Oyo State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), appreciated NOA for collaborating with media houses and men in the area of publicity for proper sensitisation and awareness of the birth registration drive in Oyo State.
“I’m happy that the government is digitizing the registration this time. That’s the way to have a proper record of data compared to the manual process we are used to.” Mr. Sola said.
Deputy Director, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mrs. Dunni Ade-Alao urged for more publicity to see to the success of the program.
According to her, “there is need for the registrars to explore rural communities more as there are many unregistered children within the targeted age range; 0-5 years.
“Also, religious leaders should also step up in helping the success of the project through their awareness creation within churches and mosques.”
Unanimously, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and League of Imams and Alfas agreed to the need for the digitalisation of birth registration, and assure proper sensitisation and awareness within their respective members and societies.
The founder of Rest Anchor Total Child Parenting Foundation, Pastor Prince Adeleye enlightened the general public on why the project is crucial for the future of Nigeria’s children. For the sake of identity, citizenship and mutual benefits of Nigerians, the birth registration drive is key and important.
Giving his royal speech, Baale Iloka Village, Baale Moshood Olaleye, who is also former NOA Director, Oyo State, encouraged all present to extend the sensitisation exercise beyond the shore of their doors.
“I believe in the capacity of religious and community leaders as well as traditional leaders in ensuring the success of the birth registration drive exercise.
