As Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day on May 27, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the occasion to renew his administration’s pledge to safeguard the rights, dignity, and future of every Nigerian child.
In a heartfelt message to the nation, President Tinubu emphasized the urgent need to build a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children can thrive without fear or limitation.
This year’s theme—“Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”—highlights a critical issue affecting the well-being and development of Nigerian children. Drawing from recent studies, President Tinubu noted that up to 65% of Nigerian school-age children have faced some form of bullying or aggression, both physically and emotionally. He called the statistics “deeply troubling” and stressed that children cannot learn or grow properly in an atmosphere of fear.
“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” Tinubu stated, urging all stakeholders—parents, teachers, community leaders, and policymakers—to confront the issue head-on.
The President outlined a multi-pronged approach to strengthening child protection in Nigeria. Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, several initiatives and reforms are already in motion:
1. The National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030)
This plan provides a strategic framework for preventing violence, prosecuting offenders, and providing support for victims. It includes targeted awareness campaigns, community-level interventions, and strengthened reporting systems.
2. Review and Strengthening of Key Laws
The administration is currently reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to enhance enforcement mechanisms and close gaps in protection, especially at the state level. Despite being passed over two decades ago, the Child Rights Act has yet to be domesticated in some states—an issue the federal government is working to address.
3. Cyber Protection Measures
Recognizing the rise in cyberbullying and online exploitation, the government is leveraging the Cybercrime Act to protect children in digital spaces. Tinubu emphasized that as technology becomes more integrated into children’s lives, their safety online must become a national priority.
4. Establishment of a National Child Protection and Development Agency
This newly proposed agency will serve as a central body for coordinating child-related policies, data collection, advocacy, and response services. It will collaborate with existing institutions, NGOs, and state governments to drive nationwide impact.
In addition to policy and legal reforms, President Tinubu highlighted the government’s investment in educational infrastructure. Over 195,000 classrooms are being renovated, 7,700 new schools are under construction, and more than 100 million textbooks are being distributed, ensuring that children have access to quality learning environments.
Children’s Day 2025 was not only a time for celebration—it was a reminder that the future of Nigeria rests in the hands of its youngest citizens. President Tinubu’s message carried a strong call to action: protect children, listen to them, and ensure their rights are upheld at all levels of society.
“The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” he concluded. “We owe them more than promises. We owe them a future.”
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