First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerian children to dream big and refuse to allow their background or environment determine the limits of their future.
Speaking during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House in Abuja, the First Lady said every child deserves the opportunity to thrive regardless of social status, gender, religion or ethnicity.
She explained that this year’s Children’s Day celebration was held ahead of the usual May 27 date because it coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
“Celebrating them ahead of the annual Children’s Day on May 27, which coincides with Sallah celebration this year, shows the importance we place on the children of this nation,” she said.
Speaking on the theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” Senator Tinubu stressed the need to ensure equal access to quality education, healthcare, digital skills, protection and a safe environment for all children.
“It calls on us to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion or social status,” she stated.
The First Lady said President Bola Tinubu’s administration, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, is investing in education, healthcare, nutrition and child protection programmes aimed at improving the future of Nigerian children.
According to her, the government is also working to remove barriers to education for girls while expanding vocational and STEM opportunities across the country.
She congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators showcased during the event, describing them as evidence that Nigeria’s future remains bright.
Top winners at the competition received cash prizes ranging from N250,000 to N1 million, while laptops and tablets were distributed to children to support learning and digital development.
Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman, said ongoing reforms by the federal government demonstrate its commitment to the welfare and protection of children.
She noted that the review of the Child Rights Act seeks to strengthen child protection laws and align them with global realities, especially in the digital age.
UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Abdulatef, also praised the creativity of Nigerian children and urged adults to listen to children beyond ceremonial celebrations.
Acting World Bank Country Director, Mathew Verghis, described children as Nigeria’s greatest asset and called for sustained investment in early childhood development.
The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Authority, Dr Muyi Aina, said the government remains committed to improving child nutrition and expanding access to healthcare services.
Highlights of the celebration included science and technology exhibitions by students from public schools as well as interactive sessions between children and the First Lady.