Children’s Day: Tinubu Vows To Protect Every Nigerian Child
President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights, dreams, and future of Nigerian children.
In a message commemorating the 2025 National Children’s Day, Tinubu described children as the “heartbeat of our nation’s future” and emphasised the duty to protect their well-being across all levels of society.
“Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are 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.
“I, therefore, reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams,” he said.
According to the president, the 2025 theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, is especially relevant to the kind of culture the country must promote.
“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,” said the president.
He noted that globally, more than one in three children experience bullying regularly, and in Nigeria, studies show that up to 65 per cent of school-age children have suffered some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.
“This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.
“My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), 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,” said Tinubu.
He said his administration was 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.
“We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.
“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,” continued Tinubu.
However, he said legal provisions alone are not enough and called for shared responsibility.
“The laws alone will not protect our children. Parents, teachers, carers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and every citizen must take ownership of this sacred duty.
“We are 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.
“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.
“Additionally, and 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,” the president assured.
He called on all relevant partners and stakeholders to ensure child rights are included in every sector.
“I call on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen our collective efforts. Child rights must be embedded in all budgets, plans, and policies.
“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,” the president stated.
(NAN)
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
