In an evolving society like Nigeria, the significance of proper birth registration cannot be overstated. This essential process not only gives children a legal identity but also opens doors to critical opportunities and services that are pivotal for their future.
At the official launch of the 2024 UNICEF/Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Commemorative Birth Certificate in Abuja, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, stressed the importance of a robust civil registration system to the nation’s development and governance.
She maintained that such a system is far more than just an administrative task; it is the foundation upon which social security is built, ensuring that every live birth is recorded and every child’s existence is acknowledged.
She 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.”
The commemorative birth certificate, which will be issued by the National Population Commission for births occurring between August 29th and December 31st, 2024, is part of a broader effort to support the Government’s Birth Registration Drive.
This initiative, according to Tinubu, is crucial for giving every child a legal identity, which is a key step in protecting their rights and providing them with the opportunities they need to thrive.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Christian Munduate, gave kudos to the Nigerian Government for ensuring that no birth goes unregistered, especially with the introduction of technological methods to ramp up the statistics.
*The launch event also featured a symbolic electronic registration of children, demonstrating the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance birth registration efforts. The event was attended by the wives of state governors, who are expected to cascade this drive to improve birth registration in their respective states.
The Renewed Hope Initiative, in partnership with UNICEF, the National Population Commission, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Identity Management Commission, and Barnksforte Technologies Limited, is intended to strengthen birth registration and civil registration systems across Nigeria.
This collaborative effort is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that every Nigerian child is recognized, counted, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
