As Nigeria marks the 2025 National Children’s Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children, emphasizing the government’s determination to build a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for the nation’s youngest citizens.
In a heartfelt message released on Tuesday, President Tinubu hailed Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” and reiterated that protecting and nurturing them is a constitutional and moral duty.
This year’s celebration is themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” and President Tinubu declared that bullying, violence, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.
“Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of aggression. This is unacceptable,” the President said. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
The President highlighted key initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), and ongoing reviews of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to strengthen legal protections and expand enforcement.
President Tinubu commended the 36 states that have domesticated the Child Rights Act but noted that laws alone are not enough. He called on parents, teachers, community leaders, and faith-based institutions to take shared responsibility for child protection.
He also unveiled a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, urging Nigerians to become active child protection champions.
Other efforts include:
The scale-up of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time response.
Expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals across all geopolitical zones.
Strengthening of the National School Feeding Programme and Nutrition 774 project to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
Creation of a Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Development of National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children.
Establishment of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children.
President Tinubu emphasized that the safety and development of children is central to Nigeria’s future, calling for child-centered policies, budget allocations, and sustained multi-sectoral collaboration.
“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter,” he said. “Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.”
He concluded by congratulating all Nigerian children and extending his wishes for a bright and hopeful future.