Children Day: ‘You Matter’ – Tinubu Tells Children, Vows End to Violence and Bullying in Nigeria

By Iyojo Ameh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, protection, and empowerment of Nigerian children, describing them as the “pride and future” of the nation. The President made this declaration in a special message to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27.

In a statement titled “Our Pride and Future,” President Tinubu expressed profound joy in celebrating Nigerian children, highlighting the crucial role they play in shaping the country’s future.

“Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are the most precious part of our national fabric,” Tinubu said. “You are the heartbeat of our nation’s future and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.”

This year’s celebration focuses on the theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.” The President described it as timely, noting that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria.

“Globally, more than one in three children experience bullying regularly,” Tinubu noted. “In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have faced some form of aggression. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”

Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu listed several actions being taken to improve child welfare. He emphasized the implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which he recently launched. The plan includes preventive measures, prosecution of offenders, and support for victims, with strong financing and cross-sector collaboration.

The President also revealed ongoing reviews of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to close enforcement gaps and expand legal protections for children. He also mentioned that the Cybercrime Act is being used to protect minors from online exploitation and bullying.

While applauding the domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states, Tinubu stressed that laws alone are not enough. He called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, and citizens to take collective responsibility for child protection.

Additional measures highlighted include the scaling up of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), training of frontline responders by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, and national awareness campaigns against harmful traditional practices.

The President also mentioned efforts to establish a robust institutional framework focused solely on child protection and development. Other interventions include:
A National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, Guidelines for school administrators, Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding in teacher training, Support for Almajiri and out-of-school children through the National Commission, Expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals across geopolitical zones and Collaboration with states to replicate such facilities.

To further ensure child protection, the President also announced the creation of National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children, complementing existing frameworks like the EVAC Plan.

Nutrition and education also received focus, with the Nutrition 774 programme and School Feeding Scheme aimed at ensuring no child goes hungry. A new Department of Nutrition has been established in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to enhance delivery and policy coordination.

The administration is also investing in tools like the Universal Child Grant and is finalizing a Child Wellbeing Index to monitor progress and accountability.

As part of a new nationwide advocacy drive, the President launched the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to encourage community participation in child protection.

“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you,” Tinubu stated. “If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”

The President called on all stakeholders to embed child rights in national planning, urging states yet to act decisively for child welfare to do so urgently.

“Our children are not just statistics—they are the heart of our nation. 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.”

President concluded with warm wishes to all Nigerian children, saying, “May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”