Tinubu reaffirms commitment to child protection on 2025 Children’s Day

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection, development, and empowerment of Nigerian children, marking the 2025 National Children’s Day with a powerful message focused on building a safe and inclusive future for every child.

In a nationwide address themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the President described children as “the pride and future of our great nation” and emphasized that their rights, dreams, and well-being remain central to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity.

Citing alarming statistics on bullying, with up to 65% of school-age children in Nigeria having experienced physical, psychological, or social aggression, President Tinubu declared the trend “unacceptable” and pledged to foster environments where children learn and grow without fear.

“We must build a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard — both in physical spaces and digital communities. Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” he stated.

The President highlighted several key initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015), and stronger enforcement of the Cybercrime Act to tackle online abuse.

President Tinubu commended all 36 states for domesticating the Child Rights Act but warned that laws alone are insufficient. “We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens take ownership,” he said.

Efforts to strengthen child protection systems were also spotlighted, including:

• Expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS)

• Establishment of dedicated child nutrition and protection departments

• Implementation of a national policy for safe, secure, and violence-free schools

• Launch of inclusive learning pathways via the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children

• Development of the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children

To support children’s health and cognitive development, the President noted the progress of initiatives like the Nutrition 774programme and school feeding schemes. He also announced a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to engage communities in active child protection.

Addressing Nigeria’s 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 embed child rights in national and state plans, urging bold, sustained action to ensure no child is left behind.

“Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love,” he concluded.