*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates young Nigerians on the occasion of the National Children’s Day Tuesday, May 27, reaffirming his commitment to nurturing and protecting the as Nigeria’s ‘future leaders, innovators, and changemakers’

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has restated its commitment to nurturing and protecting the youths as Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and change makers.

绿帽献妻 reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said this in his message to young Nigerians on the occasion of the National Children’s Day Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The theme of this year’s National Children’s Day is, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”.

Celebrating with them on the Day, President Tinubu stated: “My Dear Children, the pride and future of our great nation, I join you to celebrate the 2025 National Children’s Day with immense pride and profound joy.

“On this special day, let me reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and protecting you as Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.”

The President described the Nigerian children as “the most precious part of our national fabric, the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.”

The Nigerian leader also said: “I, therefore, reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams.”

Refencing this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, Tinubu noted this could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture his administration is building.

The President said this is a “culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities.

“Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.”

Reeling off statistics on bullying children worldwide, he further stated that globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly.

In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65 percent of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression, the President declared.

He, however, condemned the development, stating “this is unacceptable.”

According to him, a child who learns in fear cannot learn well, and a child who grows in fear cannot grow right.

Highlights of child protection initiatives in Renewed Hope Agenda, by Tinubu

Underlining the strategic importance youth development holds in his administration, President Tinubu affirmed his leadership prioritises “child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

He noted: “This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024鈥�2030), which I recently launched.

“The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.”

He equally assured Nigerian children: “We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children.

“As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.”

The President stated: “We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.”

As regards the Federal Government’s collaboration with the states on children’s protection and welfare, Tinubu said: “I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children. However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children.

“We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.”

He also disclosed the government is investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time.

Aside from these initiatives, President Tinubu revealed the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, while leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.

“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development.

“This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child,” stated he.

On proactive safety, security measures for violence-free schools

President Tinubu, in his message on the Day, as聽 well said his administration had introduced a “National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools” and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures.

He noted: “We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training.

“Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background.”

Similarly, in the care economy, the President disclosed the government is expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals and healthcare systems across all six geopolitical zones, offering integrated maternal and child services.

“We are working collaboratively with subnational governments to ensure the establishment of similar facilities across the States.

“We believe every child has the right to grow up in a loving and protective environment,” said he.

According to him, to ensure that children who are unable to remain in their biological homes are given the care and protection they deserve, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children.

He explained these guidelines would complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and strengthen our child protection systems.

Update on School Feeding Scheme, Nutrition 774 project

In line with the government’s Nutrition 774 programme and the School Feeding Scheme, Tinubu said “we work assiduously to improve child health and cognitive development.

“The Nutrition 774 project aims to ensure no child in Nigeria goes hungry. “Through this project, we are reaching every community, guaranteeing that children receive the necessary nutrition to thrive in their academic pursuits, creative endeavours, and overall health.

The Nigerian leader further opined that a well-nourished child is well-equipped and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

“To institutionalise our commitment, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has recently established a dedicated Department of Nutrition to strengthen policy coherence, programme delivery, and coordination around child and maternal nutrition.

“We are investing in social protection tools such as the Universal Child Grant and finalising a national Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress, track gaps, and hold ourselves accountable,” Tinubu said.

In connection with the need for collaboration with stakeholders for marked success in child protection, President Tinubu noted that “children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance.”/

“This is why I am launching a nationwide ‘See Something, Say Something, Do Something’ campaign today, encouraging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.”

He averred: “I call on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen our collective efforts.

“We must embed child rights in all our budgets, plans, and policies.”

As regards the contributions of the subnationals, Tinubu used the occasion to commend state governments on taking bold steps for the Nigerian children’s welfare.

He urged those yet to act: “Now is the time. Our children are not just statistics鈥攖hey are the heart of our nation.

“Let today mark 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.”

Tinubu said: “Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.

Long live Nigerian children.”

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