NOA Commences Nationwide E-Birth Registration Social Mobilization Drive in Ondo State
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has officially launched a strategic campaign in Ondo State to raise awareness about the importance of the E-Birth Registration Social Mobilization Drive. This initiative encourages parents to take advantage of the new digital birth registration service, aimed at improving data collection and ensuring more accurate records for government planning.
Speaking during a press conference held on Thursday, October 17, at the Committee Hall, Federal Secretariat Complex, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the State Director of NOA, Mr. James Adekunle, highlighted the significance of the E-Birth Registration initiative.
He stated that the goal of the conference was to inform the general public about the commencement of the digital registration system and its numerous benefits.
Mr. Adekunle emphasized that the initiative will provide the government with easy access to a data bank of various age groups, which is essential for proper budgetary planning and policy development.
He assured the public that their information would be securely protected, with a robust digital infrastructure that prevents cybercriminals from infiltrating the system.
“The information gathered will be stored in the data banks of the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), both of which are safeguarded by a highly secure website,” he explained.
Adekunle also called on stakeholders attending the conference to help disseminate the information to parents, encouraging them to overcome any cultural barriers that might hinder the registration process.
During the event, Mrs. Funke Ajayi, Director of the National Population Commission in Ondo State, revealed that since 1986, ad-hoc workers have been mobilized to ensure the success of the registration process. She noted that modern tools have been introduced to reach the 2001 registration target.
“This system is simple to use both online and offline, which addresses the issue of network challenges and ensures that data can be preserved for future use,” she stated.
Ajayi also pointed out that paper-based data collection is no longer considered best practice globally, and the move toward digital registration is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of providing legal identity for all.
She further explained that the system integrates the parents’ or informants’ National Identification Number (NIN), which allows for effective tracking and management of birth records.
She expressed her appreciation to the NOA for being at the forefront of creating awareness for this vital national exercise, which plays a significant role in documenting important events in the country.
Dr. Wura Aderinola, Director of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Ondo State, also used the occasion to stress the importance of the people of Ondo State actively participating in the E-Birth Registration Social Mobilization Drive. According to her, “In Ondo State, about 3 million people have registered with the National Identity Management Commission, and many of these individuals are visitors who came to the state to take advantage of the easy registration process.”
Aderinola further informed the public that corrections to NIN details can now be made easily through the NIMC website, assuring that the entire process has been streamlined for user convenience.
In his goodwill message, Oba (Dr.) Olufunmilayo Omoniyi, the Akapinsa of Ipinsa land, commended the efforts of the NOA and other agencies in driving the digital registration of births. He pledged the support of traditional institutions in ensuring the success of the initiative.
Other stakeholders at the event suggested that special attention should be given to rural communities, which house over 70% of Ondo State’s population.
They recommended that principals, headteachers, nurses, and other key community figures be involved in the project to ensure its widespread success.