President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the protection of the rights, dreams, and futures of all Nigerian children.
In a message commemorating the 2025 National Children’s Day, Tinubu emphasised, “You are the most cherished aspect of our national identity, the heartbeat of our country’s future, and the guardians of tomorrow’s potential, creativity, and leadership.”
He pledged to uphold “our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, safeguard their rights, and nurture their aspirations.”
This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” resonates profoundly, reflecting the culture Nigeria aims to cultivate. “We envision a society where every child feels safe, valued, and heard, in both physical environments and online spaces. Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in contemporary Nigeria,” he asserted.
Globally, over one in three children face bullying regularly, and studies indicate that up to 65% of school-age children in Nigeria endure various forms of aggression. “This is intolerable. A child who learns in fear cannot thrive, and a child raised in fear cannot develop healthily.”
Tinubu highlighted the prioritisation of child protection within the Renewed Hope Agenda, which encompasses the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030). “This plan offers a detailed strategy to prevent abuse, prosecute offenders, and support victims, reinforced by substantial funding and cross-sector collaboration.”
He further outlined his administration’s steps to prevent, detect, and address all forms of violence against children, including a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to enhance protection and enforcement nationwide.
“While 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, laws alone are insufficient. A comprehensive approach involving parents, teachers, caregivers, community leaders, lawmakers, and citizens is essential,” he stated.
The government is also investing in systems like the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) to monitor and respond to cases in real-time, alongside strengthening community-based child protection initiatives.
In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, efforts will focus on developing a robust framework dedicated to child protection and development, ensuring accountability for the rights and welfare of every Nigerian child.
Tinubu urged all partners and stakeholders to reinforce collective efforts, insisting that child rights must permeate all budgets, plans, and policies. “Let today signify a renewed movement towards a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, where no child is overlooked, and where every child flourishes in dignity, peace, and love,” he concluded.
