President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked the 2025 National Children’s Day with a strong call to protect Nigerian children from bullying and violence, reaffirming the government’s commitment to their rights, safety, and future development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
- President Tinubu emphasized that Nigerian children are the “heartbeat of the nation’s future.”
- This year’s theme is “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
- Tinubu decried the high rate of bullying in Nigerian schools, noting that 65% of children have experienced some form of aggression.
- He announced the ongoing implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
- The President unveiled a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign.
- Tinubu called for collective ownership of child protection by parents, teachers, religious leaders, and lawmakers.
- Major policy strides include:
- Review of the Child Rights Act and VAPP Act
- Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS)
- School Feeding Scheme and Nutrition 774 project
- National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children
- A new Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress
President Tinubu’s message is not just ceremonial; it underscores a systemic push toward child welfare reforms, from legal protections to nutrition and school safety. His emphasis on bullying reflects growing concerns about the emotional and psychological toll on young Nigerians. By engaging multiple arms of society and updating old laws, the administration seeks to modernize child rights in Nigeria. But implementation and monitoring will be the real test.
Children’s Day 2025 is a rallying point for all Nigerians to commit to protecting the nation’s most vulnerable. From government agencies to community members, everyone has a role to play in ensuring no child suffers in silence.
