As Nigeria celebrates the 2025 International Children’s Day, President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dreams, and future of every Nigerian child.
In a message addressed to children nationwide on Tuesday, the President described them as “the pride and future of our great nation,” emphasizing the government’s constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure their safety, development, and well-being.
“Our children are the most treasured part of our national fabric—the heartbeat of our future and the torchbearers of tomorrow’s innovation and leadership,” he stated.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” President Tinubu praised the focus on ending bullying, calling it timely and necessary in today’s physical and digital environments.
“Bullying, violence, and neglect must have no place in our schools, homes, or society,” he said, citing studies that show one in three children globally experiences bullying, with Nigerian data suggesting up to 65% of school-age children have faced some form of aggression.
“A child who learns in fear cannot thrive. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” the President warned.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu highlighted a series of initiatives addressing these issues, including:
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The National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children (2024–2030)
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A comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015)
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Stronger enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to tackle cyberbullying and online abuse
He also launched the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, calling on all Nigerians—parents, teachers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and citizens—to become active child protection advocates.
“Laws alone are not enough. Real change comes when every member of society takes ownership of protecting our children,” he said, adding that while all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, much more needs to be done to turn legal promises into real protection.
President Tinubu also outlined ongoing efforts such as:
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The Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time case tracking
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Community-based child protection networks
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Public awareness campaigns against harmful traditional practices
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National training for child welfare and protection workers
Further, he announced the creation of a Department of Nutrition within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals across all geopolitical zones, and the rollout of a National Policy on School Safety and Violence Prevention.
The President reiterated support for initiatives like the School Feeding Programme, Nutrition 774, and the development of a National Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress and hold stakeholders accountable.
Addressing Nigerian children directly, he said:
“You matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to harm or silence you. If you are bullied or abused, speak up. You will be heard and protected.”
Calling on all sectors to integrate child rights into policies and budgets, he urged a united effort to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child thrives in dignity and love.
President Tinubu ended on a hopeful note:
“Happy Children’s Day. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a bright, prosperous future.”
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