President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering dedication to the welfare and protection of Nigerian children, emphasizing their integral role as the backbone of the nation’s future. Marking the 2025 International Children’s Day celebrated on May 27, the President delivered a heartfelt address that touched on children’s rights, safety, and development, aligning with this year’s theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In a message directed to children across the federation, Tinubu described them as the “heartbeat of our nation’s future,” reaffirming that his government holds both a constitutional and moral obligation to nurture their dreams and secure their well-being. He stated emphatically that no form of violence, intimidation, or abuse should be tolerated in today’s Nigeria, whether in schools, homes, communities, or the digital environment.
“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” the President warned, as he highlighted the pressing need to address alarming bullying rates among Nigerian students. He cited research which reveals that about 65 percent of school-aged children in Nigeria are exposed to various forms of bullying and aggression, a figure that starkly mirrors the global average, where over one in three children report similar experiences.
Under the framework of the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu rolled out a comprehensive set of policy actions to strengthen child protection mechanisms across the country. These include the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), an ongoing review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), and a renewed focus on enforcing the Cybercrime Act to address the rising tide of cyberbullying and digital harassment targeting young people.
He also unveiled a new civic campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, Do Something,” encouraging all Nigerians, from parents and teachers to religious leaders and lawmakers, to become active participants in protecting children. He noted that while all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, there remains a critical gap between legislation and real-life impact, which must be closed through community engagement and consistent enforcement.
Speaking on tangible measures already underway, Tinubu mentioned the rollout of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which enables real-time tracking and response to cases of abuse. He also highlighted efforts to train frontline responders, establish community-based protection mechanisms, and raise nationwide awareness against harmful traditional practices that violate children’s rights.
In addition, the President announced the formation of a new Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, geared toward improving child nutrition across the country. He also disclosed plans for the expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a move expected to boost access to quality healthcare for women and children. These efforts, he said, would be guided by the soon-to-be-launched National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, which aims to transform educational institutions into safe spaces for learning and development.
Tinubu also reaffirmed support for initiatives such as the School Feeding Programme and the Nutrition 774 scheme, which targets nutritional improvement in all 774 local government areas. Additionally, he announced the establishment of a National Child Wellbeing Index, a tool designed to monitor child welfare metrics and hold stakeholders accountable for their commitments.
Addressing the children directly, President Tinubu said, “You matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up, you will be heard and protected.”
He called on all stakeholders to integrate child rights into policy planning and budgeting at every level, urging that “no child should suffer in silence, no child should be left behind, and every Nigerian child must be empowered to grow in dignity, peace, and love.”
In closing, President Tinubu extended warm congratulations to all Nigerian children, declaring, “May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”
