In another push to sustain its efforts SDG Goal 3 for Universal Health Coverage this time Immunization and Birth registration in line with the functions and responsibilities of the Local governments in the 4th Schedule to the 1999 constitution (as amended).
The National President, Hon. Bello Lawal with members of the Executive Council and Management of ALGON is representing the entire LGAs and Area Councils in Nigeria at the august meeting in Abuja today.
According to the National President, ALGON he expressed the thanks and goodwill of the 774 and Area Councils through his high level delegation including members of the Executive Council who accompanied him to the event.
He observed that ALGON is determined to translate the goal of primary health care (PHC) to improve the health and well-being of the public across the 774 and Area Councils, this he said is part of ALGON’s core responsibility in the 4th Schedule to the 1999 constitution as amended of which providing accessible medical care is a top priority.
Hon Bello noted that in pursuing collaborative models of policy dialogue, and Increasing stakeholder participation, it was an honour on behalf of the association.
Said he, I am honored to stand before you today as the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to welcome you to this multiple stakeholders’ engagement on birth registration. This event is made possible through the generous support of UNICEF, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Population Commission (NPC).
Continuing according to him, ‘Today, we gather to discuss a critical issue that affects the lives of millions of Nigerian children: birth registration. As local government leaders, we recognize the importance of birth registration in ensuring that children are protected, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential”
He noted that birth registration is not just a legal requirement; it is a fundamental right that every child deserves. It is the first step towards ensuring that children are accounted for, protected from exploitation and abuse, and able to access essential services such as education and healthcare.
He regretted that for years, the Country has continued to face significant challenges in birth registration reeling the percentage of the UNICEF which stood at about 30% of children under the age of 5 in Nigeria to have been registered, noting that such suggest that millions of children are invisible, without access to essential services and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
He pledged the commitment of the Councils through the body to build synergy with all stakeholders to improve birth registration in Nigeria.
He noted that such requires a multi-faceted approach that must be inclusive with the involvement of not just government agencies alone, but also traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society organizations.
To this end such engagement will help in raising awareness about the importance of birth registration, identifying challenges and barriers to birth registration, developing strategies for improving birth registration, Strengthening partnerships and collaborations among stakeholders
He appreciated the UNICEF, NIMC, and NPC for such pivotal support and corporate partnership alongside all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society organizations.
The event which is coming barely 24 hours after it’s 2 day multi sectoral workshop at Abuja Continental Hotel is already providing the expected compass for result-oriented service delivery to the grassroots which ALGON slogan amplify.
