The National Orientation Agency has urged Nigerian parents to prioritize registering their children’s births to safeguard their rights as citizens.
The call came during a collaborative event with UNICEF and the National Population Commission focusing on the importance of free birth registration for children aged 0-5.
Speaking at the NOA’s head office in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Monday, NOA State Director Bola Morgan emphasized that birth registration is an essential right that every child is entitled to from birth.
She noted that the initiative targets registering all children under five and aims to provide each child with a National Identification Number at no cost.
Morgan reiterated the significance of birth registration, stating, “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.”
She explained that registering a child’s birth is key to unlocking vital services such as education and healthcare, which are crucial for their development and future.
She further stressed that accurate birth registration is essential for national planning, as it equips the government with vital data to make informed decisions on education, healthcare, and other public services.
“By registering a child’s birth, families ensure that their children are recognized by the state, which is the first step in protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and statelessness,” Morgan added, underscoring the wider societal impact of this initiative.
Gbenga Osungbohun, representing the NPC, encouraged parents to recognize their responsibility to document their children properly, urging them to take advantage of the ongoing free registration for children yet to be registered.
He called on both parents and guardians to act promptly in securing this essential right for their children, ensuring that they are included in national records and able to access the opportunities that come with official recognition.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding children’s rights, enhancing their access to essential services, and supporting the government’s ability to plan for the future.
