President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to child protection, education and welfare, declaring that every Nigerian child has the right to grow in safety, dignity and opportunity.
In his 2025 Children’s Day message, Tinubu said children remain “the pride and future” of the nation and pledged continued efforts to safeguard their rights and nurture their development.
He spoke on the theme, *“Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,”* describing it as timely in addressing violence, bullying and neglect in schools and digital spaces.
The President said government data shows a high prevalence of bullying among school-age children, stressing that no child should learn or grow in fear.
He said the administration is implementing the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting offenders and supporting victims.
Tinubu also disclosed ongoing reviews of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to strengthen child protection laws and close implementation gaps.
He added that the Cybercrime Act is being leveraged to address cyberbullying and online exploitation of children.
According to him, 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, but he stressed that stronger collaboration among parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities is still required.
The President said government is expanding child protection systems, including the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), and strengthening community-based response structures through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
He also announced the development of a National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, alongside new guidelines for school administrators and teacher training on child safeguarding.
Tinubu said the government is expanding access to maternal and child healthcare across the country and supporting inclusive education through initiatives targeting out-of-school children.
He noted that programmes such as Nutrition 774 and the National School Feeding Scheme are aimed at improving child nutrition and development.
The President also announced plans for a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to encourage citizens to report cases of child abuse and neglect.
He urged stakeholders at all levels to embed child rights into policies and budgets, adding that children must never be left behind.
Tinubu concluded by calling for a renewed national commitment to building a country where every child grows in peace, safety and love.
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