President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, welfare, and future of Nigerian children, describing them as the “pride and future of our great nation.” This declaration came in a special address marking the 2025 International Children’s Day.
In a heartfelt message personally signed and released on Tuesday, President Tinubu underscored the urgent need for collective action to tackle rising cases of bullying, violence, and neglect affecting millions of children across Nigeria.
Citing alarming figures that indicate up to 65 percent of school-age children in Nigeria experience some form of bullying, the President announced a series of decisive initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection frameworks, promoting safer schools, and ensuring inclusive access to quality education.
“This year’s theme, ‘Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,’ could not be more timely,” President Tinubu noted. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well, and a child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
Key Measures Announced:
The President detailed several strategic reforms and ongoing programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda to address child safety concerns and enhance wellbeing, including:
Full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
A comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to close protection gaps and ensure nationwide enforcement.
Expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time case tracking.
Nationwide campaigns against harmful traditional practices and cyberbullying, leveraging the Cybercrime Act.
Development of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools with clear operational guidelines for administrators.
Scaling up maternal and child healthcare services across all geopolitical zones.
In addition, President Tinubu highlighted the government’s commitment to child nutrition and education through projects like the Nutrition 774 initiative, the School Feeding Programme, and the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition within the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
A Nationwide Call to Action:
Stressing that child protection is a shared responsibility, Tinubu launched a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to empower communities, parents, teachers, and faith leaders to act against child abuse and violence.
“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter,” President Tinubu declared, urging children facing bullying or abuse to speak out.
States Urged to Act:
While praising the 36 states that have domesticated the Child Rights Act, the President called on remaining jurisdictions to prioritise child welfare and protection.
“Now is the time to act. Our children are not just statistics; they are the heartbeat of our nation,” he said.
Why This Matters:
With Nigeria facing high rates of school violence and child neglect, these initiatives signal a bold commitment to building a safer, more inclusive environment for the next generation.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Children’s Day 2025, President Tinubu’s message calls for a united, nationwide effort to ensure that no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.
