By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State office of National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday, called on Media practitioners in the State to join in the sensitization campaign on effective participation in the birth registration exercise.
The call was made by the State Director of NOA, Mrs Theresa Omaga while briefing Journalists during the flagging off of birth registration sensitization drive in collaboration with National Population Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on the need and importance of the exercise in the planning processes.
While delivering her speech at the occasion held inside the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat, the NOA Director, stated that, “We gathered here today to underscore the importance of birth registration and to announce a statewide campaign aimed at ensuring that people of the state were sensitized.”
According to her, “Today, we are launching a concerted effort to overcome these nese challenges. Our Birth Registration Sensitization Drive will kick-start with 10 LGAs in Bauchi state and they include; Darazo, Dambam, Gamawa, Zaki, Itas-Gadau, Jamaare, Ganjuwa, Ningi, Warji and Misau.”
Theressa Omaga added that,”The focus is on raising awareness about the need for registering children at birth and ensuring and those children who are five years and below. This campaign is not just about reaching the parents, but also engaging community leaders, health workers, civil society organizations, and traditional and religious institutions, all of whom play a critical role in our communities.”
“We aim to make birth registration a priority for every household, and through this drive, we will be reaching out through various platforms including media, town hall meetings, door-to- door campaign, and the involvement of schools and healthcare centers. We believe that with proper information, more parents and guardians will come forward to register their children,” She added.
The NOA Director explained that,”This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with key partners, including the National Population Commission and UNICEF. Their unwavering support and commitment have been crucial in making this campaign a reality, and I want to thank them for their efforts.”
She stressed that the benefits of the sensitization campaign cannot be overstated saying that,”With an increase in birth registrations, we will have better population data that will allow the government to effectively plan for services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. Accurate data also means better allocation of resources, especially for our children.”
According to her, “In a broader sense, birth registration will give identity to our children and is very essential for the long-term development of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Theressa Omaga added that, “As we embark on this campaign, I would like to urge all parents, caregivers, and members of the community to support this cause. Let us work together to ensure that no child is left behind. Every child in our communities is registered and accounted for.”
According to her, “Birth registration is much more than just a formality it is a child’s first right and an essential step toward securing their future. It is the official recognition of a child’s existence by the state and a key requirement for access to fundamental rights such as education, healthcare, social services, and legal protection. Without this critical document, children could be excluded from the services they need to thrive.”
She however said that,”Unfortunately, too many children in Bauchi State and across the country, remain unregistered. This means they are vulnerable to being left behind, with limited access to the opportunities that would enable them to reach their full potential. The barriers to birth registration, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, include a lack of awareness, distance from registration centers, and sometimes even cultural factors.”
During the interactive session, some of the participants commended NOA for the sensitization which they believe will let the target audience understand the importance of the exercise.
They urged NOA to ensure that it took the campaign to the rural areas where majority of people live without having enough and real information about government policies.
The occasion was attended by Traditional Rulers, community and religious leaders as well as Media practitioners.
