CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The National Population Commission (NPC) in Cross River State has sought the support of the Office of the First Lady of the state to strengthen birth registration efforts across the 18 local government areas.
Led by the Federal Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam, the NPC delegation paid a courtesy visit to the First Lady, Bishop (Mrs) Eyoanwan Otu, in Calabar, with a view to fostering collaboration towards improving vital registration coverage in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Barr. Ukam stressed the importance of accurate and comprehensive birth registration, noting that it plays a critical role in individual identity and state development.
He said the initiative is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s programmes, particularly the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (e-CRVS) and the National Coordination Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).
The NPC Commissioner expressed concern over the low birth registration figures in Cross River despite having 18 LGAs, especially when compared to some smaller states.
He identified advocacy, sensitisation, and mobilisation of women as vital tools in enhancing registration outcomes, aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which advocates for inclusive institutions and legal identity for all.
Barr. Ukam also lauded the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria for recent achievements in civil registration, citing the launch of the 2024 UNICEF/Renewed Hope Initiative Commemorative Birth Registration project at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as a major milestone.
He extended appreciation to Governor Bassey Otu for his continued support for the NPC and emphasised the broader benefits of birth registration, including the legal recognition of individuals and the generation of reliable statistical data for planning and national development.
In her response, the First Lady, Bishop Otu, welcomed the delegation and expressed her commitment to supporting the Commission’s programmes in the state.
She commended the NPC for its proactive steps and reiterated the importance of birth registration as a tool for social inclusion and development planning.
Bishop Otu highlighted various advocacy and sensitisation efforts already being carried out by her office, particularly among women and mothers in rural communities.
She pledged to strengthen collaboration with the NPC to ensure greater awareness and participation in birth registration, especially across underserved areas.
