President Tinubu’s Children’s Day Message: A renewed promise to protect, empower Nigeria’s future leaders

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare, rights, and dreams of Nigerian children in a heartfelt message to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, May 27, the president described children as the pride, heartbeat, and future of the country.

He acknowledged the significance of this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” noting its timeliness in shaping a culture of safety, respect, and dignity for every child, both in schools and online spaces. Citing alarming figures that show a high rate of bullying among Nigerian children, President Tinubu stressed that no child should learn or grow in fear.

Reeling out initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda, the president highlighted the launch of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030) and the review of critical laws like the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to strengthen child protection systems. He assured that these would be backed by real-time interventions like the Child Protection Information Management System and community-based protection networks.

President Tinubu also spoke about ongoing investments in child-focused healthcare infrastructure, including the expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals, school safety policies, and nutrition programmes like the Nutrition 774 project and school feeding schemes aimed at ensuring no child goes hungry or malnourished.

Furthermore, he unveiled a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” child protection campaign, urging every Nigerian to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of children within their communities. The president called on governors, faith leaders, caregivers, and citizens to prioritise child rights in governance, policies, and budgets.

In a special message to children, President Tinubu reminded them that their dreams, voices, and well-being matter, assuring them of the government’s unwavering commitment to their protection and future. He concluded by urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to build a country where no child suffers in silence and every child is nurtured in peace, dignity, and love.

The president’s message marks a renewed national commitment to securing a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for Nigerian children.