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

Yahaya Gbongbo, State Director of NOA 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.

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

He urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity to get their wards registered.

In her remarks, Amina Bello, the state governor’s wife, 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.

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

(NAN)