NPC distributes Gadgets for Digital Birth Registration exercise in Bogoro LG.
By Hussaini Aliyu
The National Population Commission, NPC, has trained personnel of the Budget and Economic Planning Department of Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State and distributed digital registration gadgets ahead of a planned birth registration exercise for children aged zero to twelve months.
The exercise, which is being implemented in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Bauchi State Chapter, with support from UNICEF, is aimed at ensuring that eligible children are captured in the country’s official population records.
Speaking at the training, the NPC Digital Civil Registration Officer for Bogoro LGA, Mrs Mercy Anjikwi Tarfa, said the initiative would provide personnel with the knowledge and skills required to conduct effective digital birth registration.
She urged parents and guardians across the wards to make their eligible children available at designated registration points and provide accurate information, stressing that birth registration is essential for population planning and the provision of basic social services.
Mrs Mercy Anjikwi also called on the Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers and community leaders to support the exercise by sensitising residents and encouraging parents and guardians to participate.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Istifanus H. Roko, and the Director of Primary Health Care, Mr Godwill Hakuri Gidado, described birth registration as important for ensuring that every child is officially recognised from birth.
They noted that reliable population data would assist the Local Government in evidence-based planning and strengthen efforts to attract appropriate government programmes and development interventions.
The NPC Desk Officer for Bogoro LGA, Mr Yohanna H. Madaki, also urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the exercise, noting that registration is free and would help ensure that every eligible child is captured in the national population records.
Responding, the Chairman of Bogoro LG Pastor Zakka Luka Magaji, represented by his Deputy, Ayuba Elisha Kyauta, commended the Federal Government for introducing digital birth registration.
He assured the NPC and its partners of the Local Government’s support towards ensuring the smooth and successful implementation of the exercise across Bogoro.
