ALGON Kebbi Chairman Receives UNICEF Equipment for Birth Registration

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kebbi State chapter, Hon. Muhammad Dahiru Ambursa, has taken delivery of vital equipment from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen birth registration in the state.Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Ambursa pledged the commitment of all ALGON Chairmen in Kebbi State to the success of the birth registration initiative, describing it as a historic milestone that will revolutionize civil documentation in the state.“This is not just about statistics,” Ambursa said.

“Birth registration is the foundation of every child’s right to belong. It ensures that no child is invisible, and guarantees their access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.”

The event followed the completion of a nationwide Training of Trainers Workshop, designed to equip state coordinators, local government focal persons, and other key actors with the knowledge and tools required to improve registration processes.

According to UNICEF, the initiative is part of a broader oversight partnership with ALGON aimed at ensuring that every child counts, every child is recognized, and every child’s right to an identity is protected.Birth registration has been identified as a critical tool for building robust systems for data collection, planning, and social protection across Nigeria. Officials stressed that children without proper registration are at risk of marginalization and exclusion from vital services.

Strengthening registration systems, they added, would accelerate Nigeria’s progress toward universal coverage and inclusive development.So far, nine states—including Niger, Bayelsa, Taraba, Lagos, Kogi, Gombe, Kebbi, and Yobe—have joined the initiative, with others expected to follow.

The ceremony was attended by ALGON Chairmen from across Kebbi State, as well as representatives from development partners.

Among the dignitaries were Pius Uwamanua, Umma Musa of UNICEF, and Okoronkwo Gloria of the National Population Commission (NPC).

The stakeholders expressed optimism that the deployment of the new equipment would boost efficiency at local government levels and help safeguard the rights of every child born in Kebbi State