Posted by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan | 2 months ago | 296 times
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has partnered the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNICEF to embark on birth registration and social mobilization campaigns in Gombe state.
The announcement was made by the Gombe State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Adaline Waye Patari, during a press conference held at the Federal Secretariat of the state.
Patari stressed that the campaign is focused on registering under 5 children and providing them with a National Identification Number (NIN) free of charge.
The NOA Director stressed that the initiative is aimed at raising awareness of birth registration and its significance not just for the child, but for the family, community, and the nation at large.
“Birth registration is crucial for national planning and development as it allows the government to plan for education, healthcare and other social services. Birth registration is the first legal recognition of a child's existence, playing a key role in safeguarding their rights and ensuring access to privileges, both now and in the future,” she said.”
Patari also pointed out that accurate birth registration generates crucial data for national planning and development, allowing the government to effectively plan for social services and infrastructure.
She urged parents and guardians to visit the nearest National Population Commission registration centers between September and November 2024 to register their children, assuring that the process is straightforward and free, requiring only documents such as an immunization card or an existing birth certificate from the parent or guardian.
Speaking at the Press conference, the state Director of the National Population Commission (NPC), Jude Maigari, expressed the Commission’s full readiness for the upcoming birth registration, emphasizing that all necessary logistics and resources have been put in place to ensure a seamless exercise.
Maigari called on all stakeholders including government agencies, traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to rally behind the initiative, stating that their collective support is crucial for achieving the desired results and ensuring every child in Gombe State is registered.
Representing the traditional leadership, the District Head of Nasarawo and Overseeing Senior District Head of Gombe, Alh. Usman Shetima pledged unwavering support for the birth registration campaign.