In a powerful address that resonated with urgency, vision, and compassion, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, today led the national charge against bullying, as she flagged off the 2025 National Children’s Day celebration at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Crèche, Abuja. Themed “Speak Up, Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” this year’s commemoration calls for an all-of-society response to end bullying in all its forms — physical, emotional, cyber, and institutional.
Speaking at the press briefing, the Honourable Minister declared:
“We must act now. Bullying is not just a school issue; it is a societal problem that demands collective, sustained action. It breeds fear, isolation, and in tragic cases, suicide. Our children deserve better — they deserve safe spaces to thrive, to learn, and to live.”
Citing alarming statistics — 51.9% of Nigerian adolescents have reported being victims of bullying — she decried recent tragic incidents, including deaths and cases of emotional abuse, as wake-up calls for national urgency. She acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Education, particularly the launch of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying and called for its strict enforcement.
The Honourable Minister unveiled key child protection interventions aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, including:
Finalization of the National Costed Action Plan (2025–2030) on Ending Violence Against Children.
Review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and National Child Policy (2008).
Rollout of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care and Revised Crèche Guidelines.
Development of the National Policy on Menstrual Health & Hygiene Management.
Strengthening of the Child Protection Knowledge Hub, Adoption Regulations, and the Nigeria Children’s Parliament.
Advocacy for the implementation of 6 months maternity and 2 weeks paternity leave.
She commended the efforts of development partners, civil society, and the media, while issuing a soul-stirring call to action:
“To our parents — nurture with wisdom. To teachers — be torchbearers of kindness. To religious leaders — let your pulpits be sanctuaries of truth. And to our children — your voice matters. Speak up. Stand tall. Never be ashamed to ask for help.”
Earlier in the program, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, emphasized the government’s dedication to child welfare, urging stakeholders to intensify collaboration.
She ended by saying according to John F. Kennedy “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”
The Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, Right Hon. Progress Friday Umoh, representing Nigerian children, gave a heartfelt speech calling for practical implementation of policies and for children to be central in the solution-making process.
“Children should not just be part of the conversation — they must be at the center of it,” she stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children Nigeria, reiterated the organization’s commitment to ending bullying through policy advocacy, teacher training, and support for child-led initiatives.
“Every child deserves to grow, learn, and thrive free from fear, abuse, or discrimination,” he said.
As part of the celebration, key activities will include a children’s rally and march-past at the Old Parade Ground, a Children’s Day Showcase at the State House Banquet Hall, a special Children’s Day party, and the commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28.
The Minister closed with gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, state governors, development partners, and the media, urging them to continue amplifying the fight for child protection and to help “build a Nigeria where children are safe, heard, and free to dream.”
Signed
EmemMARIA Offiong anipr
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