A powerful call has been made by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, fsi on parents, governments and other institutions to give wholistic attention to the wellbeing of children in Nigeria.
In a passionate and resolute address to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day, Honourable Imaan called on all Nigerians to unite in building a bully-free generation, emphasizing that the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child must become a national priority.
The event, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja, convened government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, educators, media, and school children under the theme “Speak Up, Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In her keynote, the Honourable Minister described the Day as “a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to protect the rights and welfare of every Nigerian child.” Citing alarming statistics and tragic cases of bullying, she warned that bullying in all its forms—physical, emotional, cyber, and institutional—is a national emergency that threatens the development, mental health, and safety of children.
“Bullying is not just a school issue; it is a societal problem that breeds fear, isolation, anxiety, and even suicide. We must end it,” she declared.
The Minister highlighted national and global efforts being championed by Nigeria, including the National Policy on Anti-Bullying, the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, and Nigeria’s commitments under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge made at the First Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia (Nov. 2024) and the recent Pathfinder African Regional Meeting held in Abuja (May 2025).
Notable initiatives announced include:
Roll-out of National Guidelines on Alternative Care
Review of the 2003 Child Rights Act and 2008 National Child Policy
Development of a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Establishment of a Child Protection Knowledge Hub and Service Structure
Promotion of maternity and paternity leave policies
Strengthening of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament as a platform for child advocacy
“To our children—your voice matters. Speak up. Stand tall. Never be afraid to ask for help,” the Minister urged.
She extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for their leadership and compassion for children, as well as to state governors, lawmakers, civil society, private sector partners, and the media for their continued collaboration.
Speaking at the children’s rally and march-past, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, commended the vibrant participation of school children, teachers, parents, and organizers. She reminded all stakeholders that the responsibility of building a safe Nigeria for children goes beyond commemoration events.
“Building a bullying-free generation must continue through the values we inculcate at home, in schools, and within our communities,” she emphasized.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she concluded with a powerful reminder:
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
The 2025 Children’s Day Celebration continues with a special showcase at the State House Banquet Hall and commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th 2025.
Signed
EmemMARIA Offiong anipr
AD Press, Info & PR
