The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has assured of stronger national commitment towards building an inclusive society where every Nigerian child is protected, empowered, educated and given equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or social status.
Speaking at ceremony marking the 2026 National Children’s Day held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Senator Oluremi Tinubu described Nigerian children as “the heartbeat of our nation and future,” stressing that the dreams, talents and creativity of children possess the power to transform Nigeria for generations to come.
The event was held today ahead of the usual official date for marking Children’s Day which is May 27, due to the Sallah festivities that coincides with it.
Speaking on the theme “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.” the First Lady applauded the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, for placing children at the centre of national discourse and development.
“The theme of this event calls on us to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion, or social status,” the First Lady stated.
She reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to strengthening policies and programmes that safeguard children’s rights and expand opportunities in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and protection systems.
“Mr. President is investing in education, health, child nutrition, child rights and protection. He is removing barriers to education for the girl child, expanding vocational and STEM opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
She encouragied Nigerian children to dream beyond limitation and to remain focused, disciplined and patriotic.
“Never allow your circumstances limit your dreams. Wherever you see the Nigerian flag, know that it says Nigeria believes in you, and Nigeria expects you to make her proud,” she declared.
The First Lady also congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators showcased during the event, describing their achievements as proof that Nigerian children can accomplish great feats when properly supported and empowered.
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim FSI in her remarks, emphasized that Nigeria’s over 100 million children represent both the nation’s greatest asset and greatest responsibility.
“Today is a celebration of joy, innocence, and the enduring promise of Nigerian children. It is also a national reaffirmation that every child is the foundation of our future,” the Minister stated.
She explained that the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention – 774 (RH-SII 774), is implementing a coordinated national framework focused on child wellbeing, protection, education and inclusion.
According to the Minister, the Ministry is currently reviewing obsolete frameworks including the National Child Policy (2009), while also modernising adoption and child protection systems to align with global standards and emerging realities such as digital exploitation and trafficking.
“Our vision remains clear: to raise a generation of Nigerian children who are safe, confident, disciplined, morally grounded, innovative, and globally competitive,” she said.
Hajiya Imaan further highlighted Nigeria’s role as a Pathfinding Country under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children and noted that the ongoing review of the Child Rights Act seeks to strengthen enforcement and close emerging protection gaps.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive development for children with special needs, civic participation through the National Children’s Parliament, and stronger collaboration with families, communities and development partners.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, expressed appreciation to stakeholders, ministries, development partners and the private sector for their unwavering support towards children-focused initiatives.
“Today is the party set together to showcase our children and it shows that Nigeria indeed has a future,” she said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Rownak Khan, described the exhibition and children’s presentations as evidence of Nigeria’s immense talent and potential.
“Every child in Nigeria has the right to be safe. They need to feel safe at home, in school, in their communities and online,” she stated.
Dr. Khan commended Nigeria for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child and domesticating the Child Rights Act across all states, while reaffirming UNICEF’s continued partnership with the Federal Government at federal, state and community levels.
“A Nigeria that protects her children is a Nigeria that protects the future,” she added.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA), Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, reminded Stakeholders that promoting child inclusion is critical to peacebuilding, national cohesion and preventing violent extremism.
The Centre stressed the need to protect children from radicalisation, exploitation, criminal influences and insecurity, particularly those affected by conflict, displacement and poverty.
“Promoting inclusion means creating an environment where every child feels safe, valued, protected, and empowered,” the statement noted.
Country Director of Save the Children in Nigeria, Mr. Duncan Harvey, called for increased investments in education, healthcare, nutrition and social protection for vulnerable children.
He revealed that children engaged in a recent child-centred social accountability exercise identified safe schools, quality healthcare, protection from violence and meaningful participation as key priorities.
“Children want platforms where their voices are genuinely heard,” he said.
The event featured children’s exhibitions, cultural performances, innovation showcases, presentations by young leaders and recognition of outstanding young achievers, reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to placing children at the centre of national development.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Dept
FMWASD
