First Lady partners NPC, UNICEF on birth registration, identity

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has partnered with National Population Commission, NPC, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to ramp up birth registration in the country with the launch of UNICEF/RHI Commemorative certificate registration beginning on Thursday in Abuja.

NPC Chairman, Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra disclosed this on Monday when he led development partners to the office of the First Lady in the State House, Abuja.

Kwara said the commemorative event, scheduled for August 29, 2024, will mark a major leap in government’s effort to offer  Nigerian children their first foundational identity.

“It is a global thing and it took place in August 10, 2024, but we are having this as a special commemorative event with the First Lady championing this drive.

“We had a fruitful chat with her and I want to believe that we have a great event ahead of us that will mark the full force drive of birth registration to give Nigerian children their first foundational identity and recognition, as our children that will grant access to government services, especially education and health.”

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UNICEF Chief Child Protection Officer, Ibrahim Sesay, described the launch as important, to close the existing gaps in birth registration and promote a data-driven development plan for children in the country.

“What is critical is we have been falling short in terms of reaching that obligation. So, the Office of the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative is a platform that we are now using to make sure that every child’s birth in Nigeria starting on the 29th of August gets accelerated birth registration in all parts of the federation.”

Managing Director of Barnksforte Technologies Limited, Mr Adedayo Bankole, a technical partner to the NPC, highlighted the digitization of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCVRS) system.

He emphasized the importance of establishing a foundational identity and ensuring the security of data for every child.

Bankole noted the system’s interoperability with other identity agencies, such as the National Identity Management Commission and its seamless access to immunization records and other government social welfare services.

The Technical partner also underscored the authenticity and reliability of the national document for verification purposes.