NOA launches birth registration campaign in Gombe, urges community participation

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.

Akpabio Commends Shettima’s Dedication to Democracy on His 58th Birthday

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for his unwavering dedication to democracy and his crucial role in maintaining Nigeria’s stability. Akpabio shared his admiration in a congratulatory message marking Shettima’s 58th birthday on Sunday.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio highlighted Shettima’s leadership and his significant contributions to the nation’s governance. He described Shettima as an experienced public servant whose commitment continues to influence the country’s policies and initiatives.

“On behalf of the 10th Senate, my constituents, and my family, I extend heartfelt congratulations to our Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, GCON, on this special day,” Akpabio stated.

Akpabio further acknowledged Shettima’s key role in the Federal Government, emphasizing his leadership as essential to Nigeria’s progress and stability. He lauded Shettima’s vision for a prosperous Nigeria, driven by his extensive experience in public service.

Reflecting on the Vice President’s career, Akpabio commended Shettima’s accomplishments as a former governor, senator, and now Vice President, describing him as an advocate for peace, unity, and national development.

“As you celebrate another year, I wish you continued strength, good health, and success in your efforts to support President Bola Tinubu in steering Nigeria toward a brighter future,” Akpabio concluded.

Nigerian Borders to Reopen Soon for Trade, Rep. Whingah Assures Badagry Residents

Mr. Sesi Whingah, the House of Representatives member for Badagry Constituency, has assured residents that Nigeria’s borders will soon be reopened for commercial activities.

Speaking at a Badagry Stakeholders and Youth Engagement event on Saturday, Whingah explained that the federal government is working on increasing internal revenue collection, which will pave the way for border reopening. The engagement was themed “Charting A Prosperous Future for Badagry: Unlocking Potential, Empowering People, and Accelerating Progress.”

“The current administration is set to reopen the borders for trade soon. I understand the hardship this closure has caused, especially for my constituents,” he said.

Whingah also addressed other pressing issues in the community. On Badagry’s electrification, he confirmed that the Rural Electrification Agency would deploy staff to resolve power shortages in the coming days. Regarding the numerous checkpoints along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Whingah emphasized that development in Badagry was hindered by these roadblocks, which discouraged both tourists and investors.

“I have raised the issue of multiple checkpoints in the House, and I believe security agencies need to adopt modern technology, such as drones, for monitoring,” Whingah added.

Highlighting his achievements, Whingah announced that 30 youths from Badagry had secured federal jobs and that 40 more pensionable positions were in the pipeline. Additionally, over 70,000 residents have been registered through the Badagry National Identification Number (NIN) center.

Whingah also revealed that the Lagos State government, in collaboration with the federal government, would soon commence repairs on the Mowo-Ikoga and Gbaji-Owode-Apa roads, with the latter being upgraded to a concrete road in the 2025 budget.

The event also featured a panel of professionals, including Prof. Henry Hunjo of Lagos State University, who stressed the need for Badagry’s infrastructural and environmental development. Other speakers, including PDP Deputy National Secretary Mr. Setonji Koshoedo and political commentator Mr. Gbenu Mathew, called for collaboration among leaders to unlock Badagry’s economic potential.

In addition to his policy updates, Whingah launched the “Badagry Tech Talents 1,000 Programme,” aimed at training and empowering local youths in the ICT sector.