Renewed drive for birth registration pivotal for national development — Remi Tinubu

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday stated that the renewed drive for the registration of births will help the nation achieve Sustainable Development Goal 16.

The wife of the President stated that a robust and efficient civil registration system is a sine qua non to National Development and Governance.

She spoke at the State House, Abuja, during the official launch of the 2024 UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate, which will run from 29th August to December 31, 2024.

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.”

Senator Tinubu also highlighted the benefits accruable to any society that prioritises birth registration, including proper and adequate planning by the government among others.

“Our children, the treasure of our nation, should be guaranteed their rights and privileges from the onset. A well-functioning civil registration and vital statistics safeguard these rights and ensure that no violation goes unnoticed. To all parents, birth registration is very vital. It is the child’s legal proof of identity, as a Nigerian, without which children will not be fully recognized by the Government. They could miss out on government’s provision of healthcare, education, and other social amenities. Without a birth certificate, children will be unable to prove their age, and this puts them at a great disadvantage. I therefore encourage all parents to register the birth of their children and obtain authentic birth certificates recognized by the government.”

“That is why the Renewed Hope Initiative is launching the 2024 Commemorative Birth Certificate to support the Government’s Birth Registration Drive. This particular certificate will be issued by the National Population Commission for all births from 29th August, 2024 to 31st December, 2024 with the RHI logo.”

UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Christian Munduate, applauded the Nigerian Government for ensuring that no birth goes unregistered, especially with the introduction of technological methods to ramp up the statistics.

“Nigeria has done a lot, and now with the First Lady lending her voice and her initiative, I am sure we will achieve the desired mark.”

On his part, the Dein of Agbor HRM Dr. Benjamin Keagborekuzi noted the pivotal role women play in achieving success in all aspects of life.

The Paramount ruler also urged youths to be patient with the present administration.

Other traditional rulers present, including the Ooni of Ife, Emir of Shonga, Etsu Nupe, and the Tor Tiv, lent their voices to the cause, saying the availability of birth data forms the basis for the country’s social security.

There was the symbolic electronic registration of children at the event. Also present were Wives of State Governors who are to cascade the drive to enhance birth registration in their various states.