NOA tasks residents of Gombe on birth registration

NOA tasks residents of Gombe on birth registration

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) has begun birth registration sensitisation in Gombe State with a call on residents to embrace the exercise.

The campaign is being supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Speaking at the event in Gombe on Thursday, Mrs Adaline Patari, the state director, NOA, Gombe State office, said the move was to protect the future of children in the state.

Patari said the exercise was a nationwide birth registration social mobilisation drive, aimed at ensuring that every child in Nigeria had access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

According to her, the drive is focused on registering all children aged 0-5 years and providing them with a National ldentification Number (NIN) free of charge.
She said that the birth registration drive would run from August to November 2024.

“Birth registration is a fundamental right of every child, and this initiative seeks to highlight its importance to the child, the family, the community, and the nation at large.

“Birth registration is the first legal acknowledgement of a child’s existence and is essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges for now and in the future.

“It is the key to unlocking access to basic services such as education and healthcare, which are crucial for a child’s development and future.

“Accurate birth registration is vital for national planning and development, as it provides the government with essential data to plan.

“By registering a child’s birth, families ensure that their children are recognised by the state, which is the first step in protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and statelessness,” he said.

The state director urged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centres to register their children.

On his part, the State Director of NPC in Gombe State, Mr. Jude Maigari, said success in birth registration remained a collective efforts of all stakeholders, hence called for all shareholders’ support in this regard.

Maigari said the process was simple and free, requiring only supporting documents such as an immunisation card or an existing birth certificate of a parent or guardian.

He said during registration, every child aged 0-5 years would receive a NIN upon face capturing and birth registration.

He appealed to all traditional, religious and community leaders to drive the exercise in their communities, noting that the civic exercise would impact positively on the wellbeing of their people going forward.

On his part, Alhaji Usman Shettima, district head of Nasarawo and overseeing district head of Gombe pledged to support the drive for the benefits of the people.
Shettima appealed to leaders at the grassroots to ensure that their communities participate in the process.