The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has applauded the registration of 14 million Nigerian children in the past two years, describing it as a major milestone in protecting the identity and rights of every child.
She gave the commendation in a post via her X handle on Monday, after receiving the Country Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Abdelatef, and her team, who briefed her on progress made in birth registration across the country last Friday.
According to the First Lady, UNICEF announced during the meeting that “in the past two years, the number of children whose births have been officially registered in Nigeria has risen significantly to 14 million.”
She described the achievement as a reflection of the collective commitment to safeguarding children’s rights.
“This remarkable achievement reflects our collective commitment to safeguarding the identity and rights of every Nigerian child,” she said.
Tinubu expressed appreciation to development partners, the 36 State First Ladies and other stakeholders for their dedication to advancing birth registration and child welfare initiatives nationwide.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to our valued partners and to all the 36 State First Ladies and RHI Coordinators, as well as the FCT Coordinator, for their dedication and hard work in advancing this cause,” she stated.
The First Lady also commended stakeholders for the strides recorded in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, syphilis, hepatitis B, Female Genital Mutilation, and other diseases.
“I also commend you for the significant strides recorded in the elimination efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, syphilis, hepatitis B, Female Genital Mutilation, other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and vaccine-preventable diseases,” she added.
The First Lady urged continued collaboration and sustained action, expressing optimism that Nigeria could meet global health targets ahead of schedule.
She said, “These milestones demonstrate what we can accomplish through collaboration, commitment, and sustained action.
“Let us not relent. This commendation is an indication that when we work together with renewed determination, we can eliminate many of these diseases even before the 2030 global target. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The PUNCH