The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can dream boldly, grow safely, and thrive without discrimination, as the nation commemorated the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, with the theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the national celebration by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim FSI.
The President in his address delivered by the Ministér described Nigerian children as “the pride of the Republic” and the nation’s most valuable investment.
“There is a timeless beauty in the laughter of children. In the eyes of every Nigerian child lives the story of our collective tomorrow.”
According to him, the future is not a distant promise waiting somewhere ahead; the future is already here—present in every classroom, every playground, every rural community, every internally displaced person’s camp, every child living with disability, and every young Nigerian whose voice longs to be heard.
The President stated that inclusion must remain at the heart of national development, stressing that no Nigerian child should feel invisible, unheard, excluded or forgotten, regardless of location, ability or social background.
President Tinubu further reiterated that his administration remains firmly committed to listening to children and placing their welfare at the centre of governance through policies and investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“A nation that listens to its children is one that is wisely preparing for the future. Your opinions matter. Your ideas matter. Your wellbeing matters,” the President stated.
Highlighting key interventions, the President pointed out the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention–774, the Nutrition 774 Initiative, the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN 2.0) programme, targeted investments in STEM education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) as strategic platforms designed to strengthen families, improve child wellbeing and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
He also emphasized that the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development reflects government’s recognition that strong families are the bedrock of national stability and child development.
“The true measure of our progress as a nation lies in the safeguards we build for our children,” the President added. “This administration remains committed to building a nation where every child can dream boldly, grow safely, learn freely, and succeed honourably.”
The Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barrister Nyesom Wike was represented by Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Esq, Permanent Secretary/Acting Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat FCTA.
Wike described the occasion as both a celebration and a call to action.
“This year’s theme is a timely reminder that the future of our nation begins with the children of today, and that every Nigerian child deserves equal opportunity, protection, care and access to a brighter future,” he said.
The FCT Minister praised the Federal Government and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for sustaining national attention on child welfare and inclusion, while reaffirming the FCTA’s commitment to advancing child protection across the entire Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking further, he noted that, in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, the Women Affairs Secretariat has strengthened community-based child protection systems, trained auxiliary social workers and intensified monitoring of orphanages and care homes across the FCT to ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of every child.
Adding the voice of Nigerian children to the national conversation a young lady Jessica Nufi, a student of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of children across the country, calling on leaders to ensure access to free education, child safety and a more inclusive future.
“We ask our leaders to hand over to us a Nigeria we can be proud of — a Nigeria where every child belongs,” Jessica said.
She also urged children across the nation to reject social vices including drug abuse, cultism, bullying and environmental neglect, while pledging that Nigerian children are prepared to become responsible citizens and future leaders.
“We are ready to study hard, obey the law and contribute positively to national development,” she added.
The 2026 National Children’s Day celebration brought together government officials, lawmakers, development partners, students, teachers, parents, civil society organisations and child rights advocates in a colourful ceremony filled with cultural performances, children’s presentations and symbolic activities reflecting the strength, resilience and promise of Nigerian children.
The event brought to an end the week-long series of activities commemorating Children’s Day, 2026. including a ministerial press briefing, child engagement sessions, and a children’s party hosted at the Presidential Villa.
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Information , Press and Public Relations Dept.
FMWASD
