As Nigeria commemorates the 2025 edition of Children’s Day, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAP-SDGs), has called on leaders at all levels to heighten their efforts in securing a prosperous future for children by combating illiteracy, fostering peace, and establishing safe environments for all children to thrive.
In a statement released to mark the occasion by her Special Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen, the presidential aide emphasised that the well-being of children is crucial to Nigeria’s development agenda and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Leaders at every level must work tirelessly to dismantle the barriers of illiteracy, promote peace, and cultivate a world where our children can flourish. Our children have the right to grow up in a society where their dreams can thrive, their voices are acknowledged, and their rights are protected.”
Orelope-Adefulire reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is making strategic and impactful investments in key sectors to enhance the quality of life and opportunities available to children throughout the nation. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is expanding access to quality education through school rehabilitation initiatives, increased funding for basic education, and programmes designed to elevate enrolment, particularly for girls.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire also highlighted the complementary efforts of her office, OSSAP-SDGs, in delivering integrated, people-centred interventions aimed at the most vulnerable, particularly children and adolescents. These initiatives include the construction and equipping of over 12,000 model classrooms, digital learning centres, and fully equipped healthcare facilities in underserved rural communities nationwide.
“In line with SDGs 3 and 4, which focus on good health and quality education, OSSAP-SDGs has collaborated with federal and subnational partners to enhance learning conditions, improve access to primary healthcare for children, and promote hygiene and nutrition in schools,” she stated.
She further noted that her office has supported capacity-building and advocacy initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse, eliminating harmful practices, and empowering young people with essential life skills for future leadership and contributions to society.
The SSAP-SDGs acknowledged that while advancements are being made, many Nigerian children still endure the harsh realities of poverty, conflict, displacement, and inequality. She reiterated the urgent need for stronger multi-sectoral partnerships to reach those furthest behind, particularly out-of-school children, those in IDP camps, and those affected by insurgency in different parts of the country.
“This year’s celebration should serve as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to the children whose rights and futures remain endangered,” she remarked. “We must intensify our efforts to ensure that no child is left behind, irrespective of their circumstances.”
Orelope-Adefulire called upon leaders across all sectors, including government, the private sector, religious organisations, civil society, and international partners, to reinforce their commitment to child-centred development. “Meaningful progress cannot be achieved without intentional and sustained investment in the well-being of our children. The future of Nigeria and the fulfilment of the SDGs depend on how we nurture today’s youth,” she stressed.
She encouraged children across the nation to maintain hope and dedication to their education and dreams, assuring them that the government is taking strategic steps to build a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Nigeria where they can grow, learn, and thrive.
