By peterside Rejoice Eneky
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the welfare and protection of Nigerian children, promising to create a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for every child across the nation. In a heartfelt message delivered on May 27, 2025, to mark this year’s International Children’s Day, President Tinubu described children as the pride and future of Nigeria, and called on all Nigerians to renew their dedication to safeguarding their rights and futures.
Speaking from Abuja, the President emphasized that children represent the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership. He said that protecting them is not only a constitutional and moral obligation, but a sacred duty owed to generations yet unborn.
This year’s Children’s Day, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” struck a personal chord with the President, who noted that bullying, whether physical or online, continues to threaten the safety and mental well-being of millions of young Nigerians.
“Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” he declared, noting that over one in three children globally are affected by bullying, with Nigerian studies showing up to 65 percent of school-age children experiencing aggression in some form. He stressed that no child can grow or learn properly under fear, and called for a collective national effort to eradicate violence against children.
President Tinubu detailed the steps his administration is taking under the Renewed Hope Agenda to address these challenges. Among these is the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children, which will run from 2024 to 2030.
He also mentioned efforts to review existing laws such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act to ensure they reflect current realities and can be effectively enforced. The Cybercrime Act, he said, will be fully enforced to combat the growing threat of cyberbullying and online abuse.
However, the President noted that laws alone are not enough. He announced a new campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, Do Something,” which encourages citizens to speak up and take action when they see a child in danger. “Parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and all citizens must become child protection champions,” he urged.
President Tinubu also outlined several government-led initiatives designed to support child welfare. He spoke about the Child Protection Information Management System, which allows real-time tracking and response to abuse cases, and community-based child protection networks being developed across the country. He also highlighted national awareness campaigns targeting harmful traditional practices, as well as training programs for teachers, social workers, and healthcare providers.
In his speech, the President announced the creation of a dedicated Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, aimed at tackling child malnutrition. He revealed that Mother and Child Hospitals will be expanded to all geopolitical zones, and a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools will be rolled out. He also promised continued support for school feeding programs and introduced the National Child Wellbeing Index to track Nigeria’s progress on key health, education, and protection indicators for children.
Speaking directly to children, Tinubu said, “You matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up you will be heard and protected.”
He concluded his address with a call to all stakeholders to prioritize children’s rights in national planning, budgeting, and policy-making. “Let today mark the beginning of 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 said. “Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”
President Tinubu’s message has sparked positive reactions across various sectors, with child rights activists, educators, and civil society leaders applauding the government’s comprehensive approach. As Nigeria commemorates another Children’s Day, the call to action is clear: to stand together in building a safer, kinder, and more inclusive society for the youngest members of the nation.
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