Remi Tinubu Rallies Nigerians To Protect, Empower Children Ahead of Children’s Day
Maryam Aminu
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent national action to ensure that every Nigerian child is protected, educated, and empowered, declaring that no child should be left behind regardless of background, gender, religion, or social status.
Speaking at the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Senator Tinubu said children remain “the heartbeat of the nation and future,” stressing that their dreams, talents, and ideas hold the power to transform Nigeria for generations.
The event, organised ahead of the official Children’s Day celebration on May 27 due to the Sallah festivities, drew stakeholders from government, development organisations, and security agencies under the theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
The First Lady commended the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for organising the celebration and reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to child welfare through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to her, the Federal Government is investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, child protection, vocational training, and STEM opportunities while removing barriers limiting access to education for the girl-child.
She urged Nigerian children to remain focused on education and discipline, telling them not to allow their environment define their future.
“The green, white, green of the Nigerian flag stands tall cheering you on. Nigeria believes in you and expects you to make her proud,” she said.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development warned that Nigeria’s over 100 million children face growing threats ranging from violence and trafficking to digital exploitation, mental health pressures, and learning gaps.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the Federal Government is reviewing obsolete child protection frameworks, including the National Child Policy of 2009 and the Child Rights Act of 2003, to align them with emerging realities and global standards.
She said the reforms, being implemented under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774 framework, are aimed at strengthening child protection systems, ethical adoption processes, and safeguards against abuse and exploitation.
The minister added that special attention was being given to children with disabilities through inclusive access to healthcare, education, assistive support, and early intervention programmes.
She also highlighted the role of the National Children’s Parliament as a leadership incubator producing future leaders in governance, advocacy, and public service.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria praised the creativity and confidence displayed by Nigerian children during exhibitions at the celebration, describing the country as one blessed with enormous talent and potential.
The UNICEF official reiterated that every child has the right to feel safe at home, in schools, communities, and online spaces, while commending Nigeria for domesticating the Child Rights Act across all 36 states.
According to UNICEF, protecting children from abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
Also delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, officials warned that children affected by poverty, displacement, conflict, and social exclusion remain vulnerable to radicalisation, violent extremism, and criminal recruitment.
The Centre stressed that promoting inclusion, quality education, mentorship, psychosocial support, and peaceful coexistence among young people remains vital to national security and peacebuilding.
The celebration featured recognition for winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators whose creativity and leadership were applauded by the First Lady and other dignitaries.
