President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection and development of Nigerian children, declared that they remain the pride and future of the nation. The President made this known in a special address to commemorate the 2025 National Children’s Day celebrated nationwide on Tuesday.
In a heartfelt message titled “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, President Tinubu emphasized the need to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for every Nigerian child, while condemning bullying, violence, and neglect in both physical and digital spaces.
“This year’s theme could not be more timely. Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria,” the President said. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
Citing alarming statistics that shown up to 65% of Nigerian school-aged children experience physical or psychological bullying, the President unveiled a series of strategic interventions under the Renewed Hope Agenda. These included full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and increased enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to protect children from online abuse.
President Tinubu also announced the launch of a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, encouraging community vigilance and collective responsibility for child protection.
Other key initiatives highlighted in the presidential message include:
Expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS)
Strengthening of Mother and Child Hospitals across the six geopolitical zones
Implementation of the Nutrition 774 project and School Feeding Scheme
Establishment of a Department of Nutrition in the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs
Finalization of the Universal Child Grant and the Child Wellbeing Index
Commending all 36 states for domesticating the Child Rights Act, the President stressed that laws alone are not enough. He called on parents, teachers, faith leaders, and communities to take active roles in ensuring child welfare and development.
“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter,” President Tinubu assured. “If you are bullied or harmed, speak up you will be heard and protected.”
He urged stakeholders to embed child rights in all budgets, plans, and policies, calling for a renewed national movement where no child suffers in silence and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.
“Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future,” he concluded.
