The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child welfare and legal identity for all Nigerian children.
Over the weekend, she celebrated the first baby of the year, Chioma Favour Odion, at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja.
Representing the First Lady, Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of the vice president, presented baby Chioma’s birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission (NPC).
Chioma, born at 12:27 am to Mr Odion Oyigbo and Mrs Chioma Odion, weighed 3.6 kg at birth.
The event included prayers, gifts, and cash for the newborn and other babies delivered that day.
The NPC chairman, Hon Nasir Isa Kwara, represented by Federal Commissioner Engr Bala Banye, underscored the importance of birth registration.
He highlighted the NPC’s digitized Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, which now includes a National Identity Number (NIN) on birth certificates.
This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), ensures free and accessible registration for all children.
In 2024, the NPC registered over 10 million under-5 children and aims to establish 4,000 additional registration centers nationwide to make the process more accessible.
The chairman praised UNICEF, the Office of the First Lady, and other partners for supporting these efforts.
Acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie applauded the Tinubu administration’s dedication to healthcare reform and the First Lady’s interventions under the Renewed Hope Initiative.
This initiative focuses on improving healthcare services for women and children, including accelerating birth registration.
Prominent attendees included NPC Director of Public Affairs, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba; FCT Territorial Director, Mr. Salihu Isah; and representatives from UNICEF Nigeria and Barnksforte Technologies Limited.
This event follows the August 29, 2024, launch of the Renewed Hope Initiative Project to Accelerate Birth Registration, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to ensuring every child in Nigeria has a secure and legal identity.
