By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the protection of the rights, development, and empowerment of every Nigerian child.
President Tinubu who was represented by the FCT Minister Barr. Nysome gave this assurance in a message to mark the 2025 Children’s day in Abuja on Monday , also likened the Nigerian child as “the pride and future of our great nation.”
The president also notes “the role of children as
” underscoring their role as the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.”
The president noted the importance of this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, was apt.
He condemned violence, bullying, and neglect, and emphasized that such acts do not have a place in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Tinubu used the occasion to announce the government’s full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
He stated this comprehensive roadmap of the National Action Plan was aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting victims.
“The plan is backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.”
President Tinubu said, “Government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand protections, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.”
“The Cybercrime Act is also being leveraged to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation.”
“The Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) is being scaled up for real-time tracking and response to cases.”
” The Ministry of Women Affairs is strengthening community-based mechanisms and leading nationwide awareness campaigns.”
Speaking on Education and Inclusion, the president stated that a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools has been introduced, with guidelines for school administrators. Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding embedded in teacher training.
Other Safety nets for children’s protection, the president disclosed is the government’s expansion
of access to primary healthcare, upscaling Mother and Child Hospitals, and implementing the Nutrition 774 programme and School Feeding Scheme to ensure no child goes hungry, but receives the nutrition needed to thrive.
Moreover, the government has assured children protection for them to speak up if and when they were bullied or harmed, promising that they would be heard and protected.
The President commended states that have taken bold steps for children’s welfare and urged others to follow suit.
FCT Women Affairs Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi has called for Bullying-Free Schools and Full Implementation of Child Rights Act.
Benjamins-Laniyi, in her address, commended parents, caregivers, and educators for their vital role in nurturing children and emphasized the importance of children as the nation’s future.
She emphasized the significance of the day, first observed in Nigeria in 1964, as a national commitment to promoting children’s rights and welfare.
The Mandate Secretary also expressed concern over persistent bullying in schools and urged students to speak out against such acts while encouraging school management to foster safe, inclusive environments and innovative curricula.
“The Women Affairs Secretariat has also championed interventions such as advocacy against Gender-Based violence and improved guidelines for orphanage homes,” she affirmed.
She urged governments at all levels to domesticate and fully implement the Child Rights Act in 2003 , in Nigeria to ensure every child enjoys their fundamental rights.
The high point of the event was the presentation of trophies to deserving schools that participated in a march pass to commemorate the 2025 national children’s day celebration.
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