By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and national partners following a surge in birth registration, announcing that 14 million Nigerian children have been officially registered within two years.
She characterised the development as a “remarkable achievement,” underscoring Nigeria’s collective resolve to safeguard the identity and rights of every child.
The First Lady spoke after receiving UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Elfadil Saeed Abdelatef, and her delegation on Friday, 20 February, 2026.
During the meeting, UNICEF confirmed the milestone, pointing to accelerated progress in strengthening civil registration coverage across the country.
Highlighting the significance of legal identity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that birth registration remains central to child protection, access to essential services, and inclusive national planning.
She observed that the gains reflect sustained collaboration between international partners and domestic institutions.
“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, acknowledging the role of subnational leadership and programme coordinators.
Furthermore, the First Lady praised complementary advances recorded in public health interventions.
She cited progress in elimination efforts against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, cervical cancer, syphilis, hepatitis B, Female Genital Mutilation, other Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and vaccine-preventable diseases.
“I also commend you for the significant strides recorded in the elimination efforts,” she said, attributing the outcomes to “collaboration, commitment, and sustained action.”
Urging stakeholders to sustain momentum, Mrs. Tinubu framed the recognition as a call for renewed dedication. “Let us not relent,” she declared, emphasising that strengthened partnerships and consistent implementation could accelerate results ahead of global benchmarks.
“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,” she added.
She concluded with a patriotic affirmation, stating, “God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
