In a heartfelt address to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Nigerian children, emphasizing the theme “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In his message, the President described children as “the pride and future of our great nation” and the “custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.” He underscored the urgency of addressing bullying, noting that “a child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
Highlighting alarming statistics, President Tinubu revealed that up to 65% of school-age children in Nigeria have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. “This is unacceptable,” he declared, stressing that “violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.”
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President outlined robust measures to protect children, including the implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
“This plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims,” he said, adding that the government is reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to strengthen protections and ensure nationwide enforcement. The Cybercrime Act is also being leveraged to shield children from online threats like cyberbullying and exploitation.
President Tinubu commended the 36 states that have domesticated the Child Rights Act and urged collective action from parents, teachers, faith leaders, and citizens. “Laws alone will not be sufficient,” he noted, launching the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to encourage community vigilance and make every Nigerian a “child protection champion.”
The administration is also scaling up initiatives like the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) and the Nutrition 774 programme, which aims to ensure “no child in Nigeria goes hungry.” Additionally, the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children are being prioritized to create safe and nurturing environments.
“To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter,” President Tinubu said, urging children to speak up against bullying and abuse, assuring them, “You will be heard and protected.”
The President concluded by calling for sustained efforts from all stakeholders to embed child rights in national policies and budgets, envisioning a Nigeria where “no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.”