President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday, joined Nigerian children across the country to celebrate this year’s National Children’s Day.
In his message, he assured that his government is committed to ensuring that all Nigerian children are safe, valued, and given the right support to become future leaders.
Speaking on the importance of children in the country’s growth, Tinubu said that Nigerian children represent the strength and future of the nation.
He stressed the need to protect them from harm and help them grow in environments where they feel respected and safe.
According to him, children in every part of Nigeria deserve care, protection, and a chance to follow their dreams without fear.
The theme for this year’s celebration, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” was described as timely.
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Tinubu raised concerns about bullying, which many children face in schools and online spaces.
He noted that this issue affects children’s ability to learn and grow properly.
Citing studies, he stated that a large number of children in Nigeria have been bullied either physically, emotionally, or socially—something his administration is determined to address.
To tackle these problems, Tinubu said his administration is already working on several measures.
These include the full rollout of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children from 2024 to 2030.
This plan outlines steps to prevent abuse, prosecute those who harm children, and support the victims.
He also revealed that laws like the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Act are being reviewed to make them stronger and more effective.
Tinubu noted that all 36 states have adopted the Child Rights Act, showing unity in protecting children. But he said laws alone are not enough.
He called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and all citizens to take part in keeping children safe.
He also mentioned the government’s use of digital tools like the Child Protection Information Management System to track and respond to abuse cases quickly.
