By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged all Nigerians to join hands with his administration in creating a country where no child suffers in silence and every child feels safe, respected, and protected from harm.
In a heartfelt message to commemorate the 2025 National Children’s Day, the president reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to child protection and development, describing Nigerian children as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise.”
He said the theme for this year’s celebration, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” was not only timely but critical in promoting a culture where children can thrive without fear.
“No child should learn in fear, and no child should grow in fear,” Tinubu stated. “Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.”
According to the president, statistics revealing that up to 65 percent of school-age children in Nigeria experience some form of aggression are deeply troubling. He stressed that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises child protection, with the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030) already underway.
The president also disclosed that the government is reviewing key legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to ensure stronger protection and nationwide enforcement. He added that the Cybercrime Act is being fully leveraged to curb online threats including cyberbullying and child exploitation.
“Laws alone will not be enough. Parents, teachers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens all have roles to play,” Tinubu said, noting that 36 states have now domesticated the Child Rights Act.
Beyond legislation, the president highlighted a range of initiatives including the scale-up of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), training of frontline responders, and nationwide awareness campaigns against harmful traditional practices. He also pointed to efforts to expand inclusive education through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children.
“We are implementing measures to ensure every child learns, thrives, and succeeds—regardless of background,” he affirmed.
On healthcare, Tinubu noted the expansion of mother and child hospitals across the country and the development of National Guidelines for Alternative Care for children who cannot stay with their biological families.
He also drew attention to the Nutrition 774 programme and the school feeding scheme, both aimed at fighting malnutrition and improving academic outcomes. “A well-nourished child is ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” the president added.
In a bid to foster accountability, Tinubu said the government is introducing a Child Wellbeing Index and scaling up tools like the Universal Child Grant.
He concluded by launching a nationwide campaign tagged “See Something, Say Something, Do Something,” to encourage Nigerians to be proactive in protecting children.
“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter,” the president said. “If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”
Tinubu urged states yet to take action to prioritise children’s welfare and called on all stakeholders to embed child rights in national and subnational plans.
“Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love,” he said.
“Congratulations to all our children. May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of renewed hope and a prosperous future.”