As traditional rulers, religious leaders support campaign in Bayelsa state
Elizabeth Vincent, Yenagoa
The National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and supported by UNICEF, has launched an e-birth certificate registration campaign in Bayelsa State.
Dr. Edward Banigo, the Director of NOA, stated in a press conference held with stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and women’s groups, that the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the ongoing e-birth registration process in the state.
“As parents and community leaders, it is our responsibility to ensure that all children are registered to give them a crucial identity, which is the first start in life. Birth certificates will grant children access to vital services,” Dr. Banigo emphasized.
Mrs. Evelyn Micah, the State Director of the National Population Commission, explained that this ongoing digital birth registration exercise targets children aged 0-5 years and is being conducted in all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa State.
“The birth registration process has benefits for the child, parents, and government at all levels. The certificate, which is the product of the birth registration process, is the child’s first legal identity right,” Mrs. Micah stated.
Furthermore, she highlighted that irrespective of socio-economic status and residency, every child deserves a birth certificate, which serves as a gateway to accessing essential services such as education, healthcare, social protection, and economic opportunities.
Stephen Inokoba, the Director of the National Identification Number, also emphasized the importance of e-birth registration before the child reaches adulthood.
The opening and closing remarks were delivered by His Royal Highness, Venerable Princewill W. Consor, in the presence of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bayelsa State, Islamic leaders, and NGOs.
