Minister of Women Affairs Flags Off 2025 National Children’s Day with Call to End Bullying

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has officially launched the 2025 National Children’s Day celebrations with a powerful charge to end bullying and protect the rights of every Nigerian child.

The press briefing, held yesterday at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Abuja, is part of week-long activities under the theme: “Speak Up, Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

In her address, the Minister highlighted the historical and global significance of Children’s Day, calling it a time of “reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment” to child welfare.

She cited disturbing statistics over 51.9% of Nigerian adolescent students report being bullied, and 27.9% admit to bullying others.

She condemned the rising wave of school-based violence and called for urgent, collective action.

“Bullying is not just a school issue,” the Minister said. “It is a societal crisis that breeds fear, trauma, and in extreme cases death. We must stamp it out, from classrooms to communities.”

The Minister acknowledged tragic cases like the deaths of Don Davies and others, and urged full implementation of existing frameworks such as the Child Rights Act, the Safe Schools Initiative, and the recently launched National Policy on Anti-Bullying.

Highlighting efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister announced significant initiatives, including:

• Development of a National Costed Action Plan (2025–2030) on ending violence against children

• Finalization of the Revised National Crèche Guidelines

• Review of the 2008 National Child Policy and 2003 Child Rights Act

• Development of a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene.

• Strengthening of Child Protection Services, Adoption Regulations, and the Children’s Parliament.

She also called for improved inter-agency coordination, and greater budgetary allocation to child-centered programs, emphasizing: “There must be harmony in our efforts. No more working in silos.”

Speaking also, Right Hon. Progress Friday Umoh, the Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament and a native of Akwa Ibom State declared

“I stand before you not just as a young girl from Nigeria, but as a voice for millions of children whose hopes must echo through the halls of power and policy.”

Commending the Hon. Minister’s leadership, Umoh called for the implementation not just drafting of child protection laws, especially in schools and rural areas.

She advocated for stronger Child Rights Advocacy Clubs, child-inclusive decision-making, and a comprehensive rescue plan for Almajiri and out-of-school children.

She also spotlighted the success of the Girl-Led Movement and pushed for similar platforms for the boy child, stating: “We must not just be in conversations we must be at the center of them.”

Her call was firm and hopeful
“Let us build a Nigeria where children are safe from labor, abuse, and neglect. A Nigeria where we can dream, learn, speak, and rise.”

The Ministry outlined upcoming events to mark the Children’s Day celebration:

• Children’s March-Past and Rally on May 27 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja

• Children’s Day Showcase at the Banquet Hall, State House

• Special Children’s Day Party

• Menstrual Hygiene Day Commemoration on May 28

The Minister extended gratitude to President Tinubu, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the 36 state governors, the National Assembly, civil society groups, private sector partners, and the media. She closed with a compelling charge:
“To our parents lead with love.
To our teachers be guardians of safety.
To our leaders invest in the future.
To the media amplify every voice and expose every abuse.
And to our children speak up, stand tall, and never be afraid to ask for help.”