Children’s Day: Tinubu pledges safer Nigeria for children, condemns bullying

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, more inclusive Nigeria for children, as the country marked the 2025 Children’s Day with the theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

In a heartfelt statement on Tuesday, the President described children as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.” He condemned all forms of bullying, violence, and neglect, asserting that they have no place in Nigeria’s evolving society.

Tinubu highlighted that over 1 in 3 children globally, and up to 65% in Nigeria, suffer some form of bullying, calling it “unacceptable.” “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” he stressed.

To protect children, he pointed to several proactive steps already taken, including the full rollout of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which ensures abuse prevention, justice for victims, and long-term support — backed by strong financing and collaboration across sectors.

The President also lauded the domestication of the Child Rights Act across Nigeria’s 36 states, describing it as a milestone in nationwide child protection. However, he emphasized that legal frameworks must be matched with real action.

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“Laws alone are not enough. Parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and every citizen must join hands to nurture and shield our children,” Tinubu urged.

With a call for child-focused budgeting, policies, and planning, Tinubu celebrated states already prioritizing children’s welfare and encouraged others to follow suit: “Now is the time.”

As the nation celebrates its young ones, Tinubu concluded with a powerful vision: “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.”