President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to protecting the rights, welfare, and aspirations of Nigerian children, emphasizing their importance to the country’s future.
In his message marking the 2025 National Children’s Day, President Tinubu described children as the “heartbeat of the nation’s future” and underscored the importance of this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.” He emphasized the urgent need to foster safe, respectful spaces for children in schools, homes, and digital environments.
Citing research, the President pointed out that over one in three children globally face regular bullying, and in Nigeria, up to 65% of school-aged children have encountered some form of physical or emotional aggression. “This is unacceptable,” he said. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
Tinubu reiterated that child protection is a top priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He referenced the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a comprehensive strategy that includes preventive measures, legal prosecution of offenders, and victim support mechanisms.
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To enhance legal protection, the government is undertaking a thorough review of both the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to improve enforcement and expand coverage. Additionally, the Cybercrime Act is being applied to tackle online threats like cyberbullying and exploitation.
The President celebrated the progress made, noting that all 36 states in Nigeria have now domesticated the Child Rights Act—a strong indicator of national consensus on the importance of child welfare.
However, he cautioned that laws alone are insufficient, urging collective action from parents, teachers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and the public.
He also revealed that his administration is scaling up the Child Protection Information Management System to monitor and address cases of abuse in real time.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs is enhancing local child protection mechanisms, training first responders, and spearheading national awareness campaigns against harmful cultural practices.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said a new institutional framework focusing exclusively on child protection and development is underway to ensure better accountability and long-term support for children.
He concluded with a passionate call for unity in action: “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.”
NAN
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