The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its sustained partnership with Nigeria, following the registration of 14 million births across the country in the last two years.

The First Lady gave the commendation on Friday, while receiving the Country Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Wafaa Elfadil Saeed Abdelatef, and her delegation at the State House, Abuja.

She described the milestone as a remarkable achievement that underscores the country’s collective resolve to protect the identity and fundamental rights of every Nigerian child.

According to the wife of the President, birth registration remains a critical first step in securing access to healthcare, education, and other essential social services.

Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to UNICEF and other development partners for their continued collaboration and technical support in strengthening Nigeria’s civil registration systems.

She also lauded the contributions of the 36 State First Ladies, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Coordinators, and the FCT Coordinator for their dedication in driving grassroots advocacy and awareness on birth registration.

The First Lady noted that the progress recorded demonstrates the power of synergy between federal and state actors, development agencies, and community-based structures in addressing longstanding social challenges.

Beyond birth registration, she commended stakeholders for notable strides in the elimination and control of major public health concerns, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, syphilis, hepatitis B, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and vaccine-preventable diseases.

She said the achievements reflect the impact of sustained advocacy, improved access to healthcare services, expanded immunisation coverage, and increased public awareness campaigns across the country.

While acknowledging the progress made, Senator Tinubu urged stakeholders not to relent in their efforts, stressing that Nigeria must intensify its interventions to meet, and possibly surpass, the 2030 global targets for disease elimination and child protection.

“This commendation is an indication that when we work together with renewed determination, we can eliminate many of these diseases even before the 2030 global target,” she said.

The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, to continue championing programmes that promote the health, dignity, and well-being of women and children across Nigeria.

While invoking divine blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the wife of the President reiterated the importance of unity, collaboration, and sustained action in building a healthier and more inclusive society.