The Bauchi State office of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) flagged off a birth registration sensitization drive on Wednesday in collaboration with the National Population Commission and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
This initiative aims to highlight the need and importance of birth registration in planning processes.
While delivering her speech at the event held inside the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat, Mrs. Theresa Omaga, the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), stated during a press briefing, “We have gathered here today to underscore the importance of birth registration and to announce a statewide campaign aimed at ensuring that the people of the state are sensitized.”
According to her, “Today, we are launching a concerted effort to overcome these challenges. Our Birth Registration Sensitization Drive will kick off with 10 LGAs in Bauchi State, which include Darazo, Dambam, Gamawa, Zaki, Itas-Gadau, Jamaare, Ganjuwa, Ningi, Warji, and Misau.”
Theresa Omaga added, “The focus is on raising awareness about the need for registering children at birth, especially those who are five years old and below.
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This campaign is not just about reaching parents; it also involves 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. Through this drive, we will reach out via various platforms, including media, town hall meetings, door-to-door campaigns, 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, “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 essential for the long-term development of Bauchi State and Nigeria as a whole.”
Theresa Omaga added, “As we embark on this campaign, I urge all parents, caregivers, and community members to support this cause. Let us work together to ensure that no child is left behind. Every child in our communities should be registered and accounted for.”
She emphasized, “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.”
However, she noted, “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.
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 participants commended the NOA for the sensitization campaign, believing it would help the target audience understand the importance of the exercise.
They urged the NOA to ensure that the campaign reaches rural areas, where the majority of people live without sufficient and accurate information about government policies.
The occasion was attended by traditional rulers, community and religious leaders, as well as media practitioners.
