The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko, has pledged to work closely with the National Population Commission (NPC) to ensure the effective registration of children across the state.
Oligbi-Edeko made the pledge when staff of the National Population Commission, led by the Federal Commissioner in Edo, Dr. Tony Aiyejina, visited her at the Assembly Complex in Benin.
She emphasized the importance of accurate and comprehensive data on children for the formulation of sound policies, particularly in the provision of health infrastructure.
While addressing the NPC staff, Rt. Hon. Oligbi-Edeko highlighted that the registration of children plays a pivotal role in policy planning, enabling the government to make informed decisions on health services, education, and social welfare.
She pointed out that a reliable register of children would not only aid in identifying areas with high population growth but also allow for the optimal allocation of resources, ensuring that no child is left behind.
The Deputy Speaker also called on the NPC to engage a broad spectrum of local community leaders in the registration campaign.
She suggested collaboration with town criers, traditional rulers, churches, mosques, and local radio stations to create widespread awareness and encourage participation in the process.
“Using these platforms, the message will reach even the most remote parts of the state, ensuring maximum coverage and the success of the registration initiative,” she said.
Rt. Hon. Oligbi-Edeko further pledged the Assembly’s commitment to working with the NPC through lawmakers’ various constituencies to ensure that every child in the state is captured in the exercise.
According to her, “Mr. Speaker and other members of the Eighth Assembly are very passionate about the welfare of Edo people, and we will do our best in our own little way to support the process.”
In his remarks, Dr. Richard Edosa, the member representing Oredo West and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, commended the NPC for the laudable initiative, emphasizing that children aged 0-5 years are vulnerable to complex diseases.
He noted that taking a census of children would help create a database for planning and policymaking to secure their future.
“We are ready to cooperate with you to ensure you achieve your goal. We will give you all the support you need to succeed.
“You need to try and convince the people because Nigerians have become pessimistic. They tend to doubt every initiative presented by the government.
“People don’t understand that data collection is very vital to national development. Without data, the government cannot plan for its people,” he said.
Speaking on the NPC’s 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) programme, Dr. Edosa disclosed that 158 women die daily from childbirth complications.
He explained that the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality include lack of knowledge and quackery in the medical profession.
He added that traditional institutions and churches also contributed to maternal and infant mortality.
“When some pregnant women come to the hospital and are told that the baby is not well-positioned, requiring surgery to deliver the baby, they often run to the church.
“In most cases, by the time they return to the hospital, it is already too late,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the NPC Federal Commissioner in Edo, Dr. Tony Aiyejina, noted that the visit was to inform the House of the Commission’s plan to carry out e-registration of children under 0-5 years in the state.
Aiyejina explained that children aged 0-5 years would be registered and provided with a National Identification Number and birth certificate at no cost.
The exercise, which commenced in August in other states of the federation, is scheduled to end on December 31, 2024.
According to him, the delay in commencing the exercise in Edo was due to the just-concluded governorship election in the state.
Aiyejina solicited the support and collaboration of all lawmakers in the Edo Assembly through their constituencies to create awareness about the ongoing exercise.
He noted that the initiative aims to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
The Federal Commissioner also informed the Deputy Speaker about the NPC’s ongoing 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) study, which investigates the causes and contributory factors of deaths among children under five years of age and women of reproductive age.