President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to defending the rights, dreams, and future of every Nigerian child in a heartfelt message to commemorate National Children’s Day 2025.
Speaking to the nation’s children, Tinubu described them as the “most cherished part of Nigeria’s national fabric, the pulse of the country’s future, and the guardians of the promise, innovation, and leadership of tomorrow.”
He declared, “I once again affirm our constitutional, moral, and generational responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, uphold their rights, and nurture their aspirations.”
Reflecting on the 2025 theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu said the message was timely and aligned with the kind of society Nigeria is striving to build—one where every child feels secure, valued, and heard, both offline and online.
He made it clear that bullying, violence, and neglect have no place in modern Nigeria.
Citing global statistics, the President revealed that over one-third of children worldwide face regular bullying, while in Nigeria, up to 65% of school-aged children have reportedly encountered physical, emotional, or social aggression.
“This is simply unacceptable,” Tinubu stressed. “A child who learns under fear cannot thrive. A child who grows up in fear cannot develop properly.”
He assured Nigerians that child protection is a top priority under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including the full rollout of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030)—a strategic roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute offenders, and support survivors, with proper funding and coordination across sectors.
In addition, Tinubu noted that his government is taking decisive steps to prevent, identify, and address all forms of child abuse and exploitation. This includes an ongoing comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) to expand protections, close enforcement gaps, and enhance legal provisions nationwide.
The President also emphasized the government’s use of the Cybercrime Act to fight online threats such as cyberbullying and child exploitation.
Encouragingly, Tinubu pointed out that all 36 states have now domesticated the Child Rights Act, reflecting a nationwide commitment to child welfare.
Still, he acknowledged that legal frameworks alone are not enough. “We need a collective response—parents, teachers, caregivers, religious and community leaders, lawmakers, and all citizens must play their role,” he urged.
To reinforce these efforts, Tinubu announced the expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) to allow real-time tracking and response to child abuse cases.
He also praised the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs for strengthening community-based protection networks, training first responders, and leading national campaigns to end harmful practices against children.
As part of broader reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government is developing a dedicated institutional framework focused exclusively on child protection and development to ensure greater accountability and coordination in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
Tinubu concluded by calling on all stakeholders, development partners, and leaders to deepen their commitment. “We must embed child protection into every policy, plan, and budget. Only then can we build a future worthy of our children.”
