Encomium
Following the success of the Accelerated Birth Registration (ABR) programme in Ifedore Local Government Area last year, the wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu today engaged stakeholders in Akoko South West and Owo Local Government Areas ahead of another round of the programme.Addressing stakeholders, Mrs. Akeredolu who was ably represented by her Special Assistant on Research and Documentation, Mrs. Tope Daniyan congratulated the Local Governments for being a part of the six areas selected to benefit across the state.According to her, the essence of the meeting was to enlighten them on the importance of birth registration as it helps government to effectively plan for the society.Mrs. Akeredolu also used the opportunity to enjoin the people to take advantage of the programme to register the birth of their children.Speaking on the importance of the programme, the State Director of National Population Commission, Mr. Yemi Falusi said available statistics shows that a lot of births have not been registered and thus the need to engage stakeholders to encourage their people to register births.Mr. Falusi while restating that birth registration fast track development as government is better informed to make policies that will transform the lives of the citizens, said birth registration also provides the holder with identity which can be used for admission and travel processes.In his remark, Dr. Samuel Abiona from the Ondo State Primary Health Care Board said it’s unfortunate that lots of people are yet to take advantage of registering the births of their children.He also affirmed the importance of birth registration saying it is necessary as its protects the future of children.The Coordinator, ABR Plus, Mr. Ife Awoyelu said the programme which will commence by September and last for three months will be of immense benefit to the people.He also called for support from Oloris in actualizing the goals of the programme as they are to nominate two people as focal persons from each ward.Earlier, the Chairman, Akoko South West, Hon. Ibidapo Fashesin in his address applauded Mrs. Akeredolu for working assiduously to improve the lives of the people. Hon. Fashesin called on stakeholders to take the message home to the people.Chairman, Owo Local Government, Hon. Benjamin Adebayo in his own remarks expressed gratitude to the Akeredolu led government saying he was indeed grateful that his local government was selected among beneficiaries of the scheme.Olori Esther Ajimoh, wife of the Alale of Akungba, Chief Mrs. Sarah Emigun, Iyaloja, Okaland and Alhaja Risikat Ahmed, Iyaloja Owo/Osi in separate interviews commended the initiative.
