Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has praised the registration of 14 million Nigerian children over the past two years, calling it a significant step toward protecting every child’s identity and rights.
She gave the commendation in a post on her X account on Monday after receiving UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Abdelatef, and her team, who briefed her last Friday on progress made in birth registration nationwide.
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 progress as evidence of a shared 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 also thanked development partners, the 36 State First Ladies, and other stakeholders for their dedication to improving birth registration and child welfare initiatives across the country.
“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 further commended stakeholders for progress in combating 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.
She called for sustained cooperation and continued action, expressing confidence that Nigeria can meet global health targets ahead of schedule.
“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.”