On May 27, President Bola Tinubu marked the 2025 International Children’s Day by pledging his administration’s renewed commitment to protecting the rights, dreams, and futures of every Nigerian child. He described children as “the pride and future of our great nation” and emphasized the government’s moral and constitutional duty to ensure their safety, development, and protection.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu called for a culture where every child feels safe and respected both offline and online. He condemned violence and bullying, citing statistics showing over one-third of children worldwide and up to 65% of Nigerian school-age children face bullying or aggression.
“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” the President stated, underscoring the need for urgent action.
He also outlined measures within the Renewed Hope Agenda designed to tackle these issues and foster a safer, more supportive environment for Nigerian children.
President Bola Tinubu marked International Children’s Day 2025 with a powerful reaffirmation of his administration’s dedication to protecting and empowering Nigerian children.
Key initiatives announced include:
Implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
Review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015).
Full enforcement of the Cyber-crime Act to combat cyber-bullying and online abuse.
Launch of a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign encouraging all Nigerians to champion child protection.
President Tinubu emphasized that laws alone are insufficient, urging parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens to actively safeguard children’s rights. Though 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, he stressed the need to translate legal frameworks into tangible action.
He highlighted ongoing efforts such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time response, community child protection programs, awareness campaigns against harmful traditional practices, and training for frontline responders.
Additional commitments include:
Establishing a dedicated Department of Nutrition within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Expanding Mother and Child Hospitals across all geopolitical zones.
Introducing a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools.
Continuing support for School Feeding Schemes and the Nutrition 774 program.
Creating the National Child Well-being Index to monitor progress and accountability.
Addressing children directly, Tinubu said:
“You matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”
He called on all stakeholders to embed child rights into budgets, plans, and policies, urging a renewed national movement to build a Nigeria where every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.
Closing on an optimistic note, President Tinubu declared:
“Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”#newsafro_
