NPC To Begin Registration Of Children In Niger

NPC To Begin Registration Of Children In Niger.

In commemoration with the National Population Commission, the National Orientation Agency says it is targeting to register 40,000 under five years ]children in Niger.

The State Director of NOA, Yahaya Gbongbo,  in the state, disclosed this in Minna at a community reorientation and grassroots dialogue on increased birth registration in six local government areas.

The exercise is supported by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF).

He stated that 60 communities would be engaged in Gbako, Bosso, Gurara, Edati, Mashegu, and Mariga local government areas.

“Registration of birth has suffered setbacks either because the people are ignorant of the benefits or lack of information on how to access it,” Mr. Gbongbo said.

The exercise will begin on February 23 at various designated centres in each of the local government areas.

Uthman Baba, a director with NPC, also mentioned that the campaign would create awareness on the importance of birth certificates.

He urged parents to make good use of the opportunity to get their wards registered.

The state governor’s wife, Amina Bello commended the government and UNICEF for the support given to NOA.

Mrs. Bello, represented by Kaltum Rufai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, solicited the media’s support to create awareness on the importance of the exercise.

Wilfred Mamah, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, said UNICEF was concerned about children’s birth registration.

Hussein Lemu, Chairman of Gbako local government, gave assurance to support and contribute to the exercise’s success.