In a heartfelt address to commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called for urgent and unified efforts to eliminate child bullying in Nigeria.
His message, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” underscored the government’s commitment to child welfare, safety, and development.
The president began by extending warm wishes to children nationwide, describing them as the future of the country and the cornerstone of national progress. He reassured Nigerian children of his administration’s unwavering dedication to nurturing their potential and protecting their rights.
He stressed that children in every corner of Nigeria—whether in schools, communities, or homes—hold a vital place in shaping the country’s future. Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s legal and moral responsibility to safeguard every child, describing them as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future.”
Reflecting on the 2025 Children’s Day theme, the president noted its timely significance, calling attention to the need to create a culture of safety, respect, and inclusion across physical and digital environments. He condemned all forms of abuse, saying emphatically that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in modern Nigeria.
Citing global and national data, President Tinubu revealed that over one-third of children worldwide experience bullying, while in Nigeria, nearly 65% of schoolchildren encounter physical, emotional, or social abuse. He described these statistics as intolerable, stating that fear undermines both learning and healthy development.
He highlighted the prioritisation of child protection under his Renewed Hope Agenda and referenced the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030). The plan outlines steps to prevent abuse, prosecute offenders, and support survivors through coordinated, well-funded strategies.
President Tinubu disclosed that the government is undertaking a thorough revision of key laws—including the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015)—to widen protection, eliminate enforcement gaps, and ensure stronger legal safeguards. He also emphasized that the Cybercrime Act is in full effect to protect children from online threats.
He praised the nationwide adoption of the Child Rights Act across all 36 states, acknowledging this as evidence of a united front in the fight for children’s welfare. However, he was quick to stress that legislative efforts alone are insufficient. He called on all sectors—parents, educators, religious leaders, and lawmakers—to actively participate in building a safer society for children.
The president outlined major national initiatives including the expansion of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), training for frontline workers, and public education campaigns led by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. These efforts aim to promote child safety and dismantle harmful cultural practices.
Additionally, the government is laying the groundwork for a dedicated institutional framework focused exclusively on child protection and development. This move will improve accountability and coordination among child welfare stakeholders.
On school safety, Tinubu pointed to the launch of a National Policy on Safe, Secure, and Violence-Free Schools, along with practical guidelines for school management and enhanced teacher training on emotional and physical safeguarding. The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children is also playing a key role in making education accessible to every Nigerian child.
Healthcare is another area receiving attention. The administration is bolstering access to maternal and child healthcare through enhanced hospital networks and improved services across all regions. Working with state governments, the federal government aims to ensure the reach of these critical services to rural and underserved communities.
Tinubu reiterated the right of every child to a safe and loving environment. He highlighted the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children, developed by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to ensure that children without family support are not neglected.
On the issue of hunger and malnutrition, the president mentioned the Nutrition 774 project and the School Feeding Scheme, both designed to ensure children have access to essential nutrition to support learning and growth. The government has also set up a new Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to coordinate and align nutrition-related policies and programmes.
He went on to share plans for a Universal Child Grant and the development of a national Child Wellbeing Index, tools that will help the government monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure transparency in its child welfare initiatives.
To galvanise public participation, President Tinubu announced the launch of a “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” national campaign, urging citizens to be vigilant and proactive in protecting children from harm.
Addressing the children directly, he reminded them of their worth and encouraged them to speak out against abuse and bullying, assuring them that their voices would be heard and protected.
Finally, he called on all stakeholders—government agencies, communities, and development partners—to embed children’s rights and welfare into all policy and planning processes. He urged state governments lagging in child welfare action to take immediate steps, declaring that children are not statistics but the very heart of the nation.
President Tinubu concluded his address with a call for unity in creating a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence or is left behind, but instead grows in peace, love, and dignity.
“Congratulations to all our children,” he said. “May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”
What you should know
President Tinubu’s Children’s Day speech reaffirms Nigeria’s firm commitment to eliminating bullying and violence against children.
Through new policies, revised legislation, and public engagement campaigns, the government is working to protect every Nigerian child and ensure they grow in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
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