President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian children as the country commemorates the 2025 National Children’s Day.
In a national address themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” President Tinubu emphasized that children remain the cornerstone of Nigeria’s future and must be nurtured in an environment free from fear, violence, and neglect.
He described Nigerian children as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future” and called on the country to unite in building a safe, inclusive society for all children.
Highlighting alarming statistics that show up to 65% of school-age children in Nigeria have experienced some form of bullying or aggression, the President described the situation as unacceptable.
“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” he stated.
Tinubu outlined several initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen child protection.
These include the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a review of key legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the expansion of digital safeguards through the Cybercrime Act to combat cyberbullying and online abuse.
He also praised the domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states and stressed the importance of community involvement in child protection.
“Laws alone are not enough. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and citizens must all play their part,” he urged.
Further measures announced include strengthening of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), training of community responders, expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals, and the creation of a new Department of Nutrition within the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs to tackle child malnutrition and enhance policy coordination.
The President also spotlighted ongoing programs like the School Feeding Scheme and the Nutrition 774 initiative, designed to improve children’s health, cognitive development, and school performance.
To reinforce national vigilance, Tinubu launched the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, encouraging all Nigerians to speak up against child abuse and become advocates for child safety.
Addressing children directly, he said: “Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”
He concluded by calling on states, stakeholders, and development partners to embed child rights in all national plans and budgets, ensuring no child is left behind.
“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 said.
Children across the country marked the day with festivities, parades, and special events aimed at promoting child rights and safety.
