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President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his government's dedication to safeguarding the rights, aspirations, and futures of every Nigerian child, as the country observes the 2025 International Children’s Day today.
In a speech directed to children nationwide on Tuesday, the President referred to them as “the pride and future of our great nation,” emphasizing the government's ethical, constitutional, and generational obligation to ensure their safety, growth, and well-being.
“Our children are the most valuable part of our national identity, the essence of our nation's future, and the bearers of tomorrow’s promise, creativity, and leadership,” Tinubu stated.
This year's Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” was praised by the President as timely, highlighting the necessity to cultivate an environment where every child feels secure, respected, and acknowledged, both offline and online.
“Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria,” he proclaimed, referencing global statistics indicating that over one in three children face bullying, with Nigerian research suggesting that up to 65% of school-aged children suffer from various forms of aggression.
“A child who learns in fear cannot learn effectively. A child who grows in fear cannot develop properly,” the President underscored.
Tinubu outlined essential measures under the Renewed Hope Agenda targeting these issues. These initiatives encompass the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a revision of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), and the thorough enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to address cyberbullying and online exploitation.
He also introduced a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, encouraging every Nigerian to become an advocate for child protection. “Legislation alone will not suffice to shield our children.
Parents, educators, caregivers, faith leaders, legislators, and citizens must take responsibility,” he stated, noting that while 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, more action is required to implement these legal frameworks effectively.
The President elaborated on ongoing initiatives, including the “Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS)” to ensure swift responses to cases, community child protection frameworks, nationwide campaigns against harmful traditional practices, and training for frontline responders.
Tinubu additionally announced the formation of a dedicated Nutrition Department within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the growth of Mother and Child Hospitals in all geopolitical zones, and a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools. 4
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to “School Feeding Schemes, the Nutrition 774 program,” and the establishment of a “National Child Wellbeing Index” to monitor progress and accountability. Speaking directly to children, he reminded them, “You matter.
Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the authority to harm, silence, or undermine you. If you face bullying or are harmed, speak up—you will be listened to and safeguarded.”
He called on all stakeholders to incorporate child rights into all budgets, strategies, and policies, stating, “Let today signify a renewed effort to build a Nigeria where no child endures in silence, no child is neglected, and every child flourishes in dignity, peace, and love.”
Tinubu concluded with an optimistic message: “Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter resonate throughout this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a promising future.”
