The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has said that e-birth registration would fast track the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.
Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, made the remark in her address at a two-day media dialogue to drive the e-birth registration in South Western Nigeria.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development in collaboration with National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is holding in Lagos.
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a bid to ensure that no one is left behind in this second term, broadened the THEMES Agenda, by adding Plus Gender Equality, Social Inclusion and Youth Engagement.
“This itself is not only in line with global best practice as seen in civilised climes, but it will help us as a government to fast track the actualisation of the SDGs.
“And in line with this, as a Ministry, we have always ensured that we do everything necessary to help our children become one, that we all can be proud of tomorrow,” she said.
The Permanent secretary, who described the programme as of immense significance, added that, its outcome would go a long way in contributing to our nation building.
According to her, a good beginning entails giving every child a legal identity which necessitates this media dialogue to drive e-birth registration.
“We have Child Development Department, under which we have Child Protection Unit saddled with the statutory responsibilities of protecting the rights of our children.
“The implementation of the Child’s Rights Laws, formation of the Children’s Parliament, Celebration of International Children’s Day, Day of the African Child, as well as the Annual Children’s Party, are some of the things being done by the Ministry to contribute our quota to the total development of our children.
“We therefore place high premium on the best interest of the child in the formulation and implementation of our policies and programmes,” she said.
Oke-Osanyintolu was represented by Mrs Adeola Olabisi, the Director, Public Affairs of the ministry .
Earlier, Mr Denis Onoise, the UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist, said that the aim of the programme was to increase awareness that would boost the demand for e-birth registration, with focus on children under one year of age.
Onoise, noted that civil registration and vital statistics, serve as the foundation of identity ecosystem.
“E-birth registration serve as the backbone of electronic health administration system for improved monitoring, planning and service delivery, as well as enhanced monitoring of individual child’s health status, “he said.
