Every Child Carries Nigeria’s Tomorrow: President Tinubu Unveils Inclusion Agenda at Children’s Day Celebration

Maryam Aminu

Children are the heartbeat of every nation, the purest symbols of hope, and the living reminders that tomorrow can still be brighter than today. From the laughter that fills school playgrounds to the dreams quietly nurtured in classrooms, homes and rural communities, every child carries within them the promise of a better future. It was this powerful message of hope, inclusion and national renewal that echoed across Eagle Square, Abuja, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that no Nigerian child must ever be left behind.

Speaking during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, the President said the hopes, dreams and voices of Nigerian children must become the centrepiece of national development, insisting that every child deserves protection, opportunity and the dignity of belonging.

The President’s address, delivered through the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, set the tone for the celebration themed, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

Tinubu described Nigerian children as the “custodians of tomorrow’s promise,” whose resilience, creativity and brilliance continue to illuminate the pathway to the nation’s future greatness.

“There is a timeless beauty in the laughter of children,” the President declared. “In the eyes of every Nigerian child lives the story of our collective tomorrow; a story of resilience, brilliance, courage and hope.”

He stressed that inclusion must become the moral foundation of national development, warning that no child should feel invisible, unheard, excluded or forgotten because of social background, disability or geographical location.

According to him, the future is no longer distant but already present in every classroom, playground, internally displaced persons camp and rural settlement where children continue to dream despite challenges.

Tinubu assured Nigerian children that his administration is listening more attentively to their concerns and aspirations, noting that their opinions and wellbeing matter in shaping the country’s future.

The President also highlighted the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, describing strong families as the bedrock for raising secure, productive and morally grounded children.

Acknowledging the economic pressures facing many homes, Tinubu said the Federal Government remains committed to easing the burdens on families through people-centred programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He listed several intervention programmes targeted at children and young people, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention–774 initiative, the Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), STEM education investments and expanded healthcare and nutrition support systems.

Tinubu further disclosed that the government is reviewing the Child Rights Act and National Child Policy to strengthen protection against child abuse, violence, child marriage and female genital mutilation.

He urged children to reject cultism, violence, substance abuse, cybercrime and bullying, warning that such vices destroy destinies and threaten national progress.

Instead, he encouraged them to embrace discipline, hard work, patriotism and integrity.
“The future belongs to you,” Tinubu told the children. “This administration remains committed to building a nation where every child can dream boldly, grow safely, learn freely and succeed honourably.”

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary and Acting Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, described Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation.”

She commended the commitment of President Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to child welfare and inclusion, noting that activities lined up for the celebration reflected the administration’s dedication to protecting and empowering Nigerian children.

Mukhtar also disclosed that the Women Affairs Secretariat, in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, has strengthened child protection structures across the Federal Capital Territory through training of auxiliary social workers and improved monitoring of care homes and orphanages.

The colourful celebration attracted top government officials, lawmakers, development partners, traditional leaders, teachers and schoolchildren from across the federation, transforming Eagle Square into a vibrant symbol of hope, unity and the limitless possibilities embedded in every Nigerian child.