By Tajudeen Balogun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on all partners, stakeholders, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen collective efforts for the future of children, urging all arms of government to embed child rights in all their budgets, plans and policies.
Tinubu made the call in his 2025 World Children’s Day celebration message.
Noting the theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation” of this year’s celebration, the President commended States for taking bold steps for children’s welfare and urged those yet to act, to do now, adding: “Our children are not just statistics – they are the heart of our nation”.
Tinubu directed that the day marks 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 pointed out: “This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture we are building. A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today”.
The President noted that globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly, saying in Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65 per cent of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable.
Tinubu further cautioned that a child who learns in fear cannot learn well, adding “A child who grows in fear cannot grow right”.
He added that his administration prioritises child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda, citing full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), recently launched, as a proof in this regard.
Tinubu indicated that the plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.
The President reiterated: “We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement. We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyber bullying, exploitation, and abuse”.
Tinubu indicated that he was pleased to note that 36 States have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children.
Still, he said laws alone will not be sufficient to protect children, rather, “We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership”.
The New Diplomat reports that the world Children’s Day is held every May 27.
The checks by New Diplomat revealed that organizations such as schools, media houses, orphanages, eateries and relaxation centres organise different exciting programmes to mark the day – to thrill children.
