By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a heartening tribute to the unwavering dedication of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Director General, National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA), Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi has illuminated the exceptional commitment demonstrated by the President His Excellency Julius Maada Bio towards enhancing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in the country.
He expressively extolled President Bio’s remarkable determination and tenacity, highlighting his resolute pursuit of achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 16.9 by 2030. This pivotal target, which aims to provide legal identity to all, including birth registration, stands as a testament to President Bio’s visionary leadership and his recognition of the paramount importance of ensuring every individual’s right to a recognized identity.
The Director General’s commendation further underscored President Bio’s role as a trailblazer in championing the CRVS cause within the African landscape. By prioritizing the development and modernization of CRVS systems, President Bio has demonstrated a profound understanding of the long-term benefits that accurate and reliable civil registration systems can bring to societies.
Massaquoi expressed deep gratitude to the President for his unwavering support, acknowledging the crucial backing that has paved the way for advancements in the CRVS arena. Additionally, he lauded the collaborative efforts between the Government, the European Union (EU), UNICEF, Irish Aid, UNDP, UNFPA, Plan International, and other esteemed development partners. These collective endeavors have played an instrumental role in steering the transformation of traditional, paper-based registration methods towards efficient and digitized frameworks.
The Director General’s tribute took center stage during the auspicious 6th Commemoration of Africa CRVS Day on August 10, 2023. Under the theme “The potential to increase coverage, improve quality and timeliness of data through digitalization of civil registration systems,” the event served as an apt platform to celebrate and honor President Bio’s contributions as a steadfast advocate for robust CRVS practices.
In essence, Director General Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi’s sentiments resonated deeply, illuminating the profound impact of President Bio’s commitment to advancing CRVS in Africa. The President’s enduring efforts stand as an exemplar of visionary leadership that recognizes the vital role of accurate civil registration in empowering individuals and fostering societal progress.
