“We need a Nigeria where every child feels safe, respected, and heard—whether in the classroom or online” – Tinubu
Children’s Day: “No Child Should Suffer in Silence” — President Tinubu Declares War on Bullying, Unveils Child Protection Reforms
In a stirring Children’s Day address that struck at the heart of child welfare and national development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pledged unwavering commitment to eradicating bullying and strengthening protection for every Nigerian child.
Describing children as “the heartbeat of the nation’s future and the custodians of tomorrow’s innovation and leadership,” Tinubu declared that safeguarding their rights and wellbeing is not just a constitutional mandate, but a shared moral obligation.
This year’s Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” set the tone for the President’s passionate call for cultural and systemic change.
“We need a Nigeria where every child feels safe, respected, and heard—whether in the classroom or online,” Tinubu said. “Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria.”
Citing alarming statistics, the President highlighted that one in three children globally experience bullying, while local data indicates up to 65% of school-aged Nigerian children face various forms of aggression.
“These numbers are unacceptable in a country that is deeply invested in the wellbeing of its next generation,” he declared.
As part of sweeping child protection reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which focuses on prevention, prosecution of offenders, and support for victims.
He also noted that efforts are underway to strengthen key legal frameworks, including the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015). Tinubu emphasized the importance of digital safety, underlining the role of the Cybercrime Act in protecting children from cyberbullying and online exploitation.
While acknowledging that all 36 states have now domesticated the Child Rights Act, Tinubu urged stakeholders to move beyond legislation.
“Laws alone are not enough. We need parents, teachers, caregivers, religious leaders, and ordinary Nigerians to join hands in protecting our children,” he said.
The federal government is expanding its real-time response mechanisms to child abuse through national systems like the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) and community-level interventions coordinated by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Tinubu also revealed plans for a dedicated institutional framework to advance child protection and development, alongside the launch of a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, including new safety guidelines for school administrators.
Underscoring the importance of inclusive education, the President cited efforts by the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children to bring every Nigerian child into the classroom.
Healthcare was not left out. Tinubu announced the expansion of Mother and Child Hospitals across all six geopolitical zones, integration of maternal and child health services, and improved access to nutrition through programmes like Nutrition 774 and the National School Feeding Scheme.
He also introduced the development of a Universal Child Grant, a Child Wellbeing Index, and the establishment of a Department of Nutrition within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to ensure holistic child development.
To promote active citizenship, the President launched a national campaign:
“See Something, Say Something, Do Something,” urging all Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting vulnerable children.
Speaking directly to the children of Nigeria, Tinubu offered reassurance and encouragement.
“Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. Your safety matters. If you are harmed, speak up. You will be heard, and you will be protected,” he promised.
He ended his address with a vision of hope:
“May your laughter continue to echo across this nation as a symbol of our collective strength and future greatness. No child should suffer in silence or be left behind on the journey to national greatness.”
President Tinubu’s message marked a powerful stand against child abuse and affirmed his administration’s resolve to build a safer, more inclusive Nigeria for its youngest citizens. Read More
