The National Population Commission (NPC), Cross River State, led by the Federal Commissioner, Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam, has sought a strategic partnership with the Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. (Mrs.) Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, to strengthen birth registration efforts across the state.
During a courtesy visit to the First Lady in Calabar, Barr. Ukam underscored the critical importance of accurate birth registration, not only for individual identity and rights but also for state-wide planning and national development. He noted that this initiative is in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, particularly the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (e-CRVS) and the National Coordination Committee on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).
Expressing concern over Cross River’s relatively low birth registration rates despite having 18 local government areas, the Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for widespread sensitization, especially among women. He highlighted advocacy and community mobilization as essential tools to increase registration rates and achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes inclusive societies and legal identity for all, including birth registration.
Barr. Ukam also commended the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its role in advancing birth registration nationally. He specifically acknowledged the launch of the “2024 UNICEF/Renewed Hope Initiative Commemorative Birth Registration” project at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as a landmark effort.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his consistent support to the NPC since assuming office and reiterated the broader benefits of birth registration. These, he said, include securing legal identity for citizens, enabling access to essential services, and providing accurate statistical data necessary for policy-making and national development.
In her response, the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, warmly welcomed the NPC delegation and commended the Commission’s efforts in promoting vital registration across the state. She reaffirmed her office’s commitment to supporting the Commission’s initiatives, particularly in advocacy and sensitization campaigns targeted at women.
Bishop Otu highlighted some of her office’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the importance of birth registration in communities. She assured the NPC of stronger collaboration going forward, with a renewed focus on increasing participation among women and caregivers at the grassroots level.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child born in Cross River is properly registered,” she stated. “Our office will continue to use all available platforms to educate women and mobilize communities toward this essential civic responsibility.”
