Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on governments at all levels, families and communities to move beyond symbolic gestures and build a society where children are genuinely listened to and actively involved in decisions affecting their lives.
The President made the call during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Tinubu told pupils and students from primary and secondary schools that their voices, ideas and well-being are central to Nigeria’s future.
According to the President, the assurance that “your opinion matters, your ideas matter, your well-being matters” should not be treated as mere rhetoric but as a guiding principle for democratic renewal and national development.
The event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” focused on the need to ensure that no child is excluded from opportunities because of social status, physical condition or geographical location.
Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian child, whether from rural or urban communities, deserves equal access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, protection, digital opportunities and a sense of belonging.
The President highlighted several programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving child welfare and development, including the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention–774, Nutrition 774, ANRiN 2.0 and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He also pointed to investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as well as the Ministry of Education’s NEDI platform as part of efforts to equip children with digital and technological skills for the future.
On child protection, Tinubu noted that although the Child Rights Act has been domesticated across the country, the federal government is currently reviewing both the Act and the National Child Policy to strengthen their effectiveness.
He added that through the 2025 Costed Action Plan, the government is providing financial backing to tackle violence against children, child marriage and female genital mutilation.
The President further encouraged state governments to strengthen the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, describing it as an important platform for nurturing leadership, civic responsibility and democratic participation among children.
Tinubu also advised children to avoid violence, cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and bullying, warning that such vices destroy destinies and undermine national development.
He urged them to embrace discipline, honesty, patriotism and responsible use of technology.
In her welcome address, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, represented by the Acting Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat, Hajiya Mukhtar, said the FCT Administration, with support from UNICEF, is strengthening community-based child protection systems, training social workers and improving oversight of orphanages and care homes.
One of the highlights of the event was an address delivered by Jessica Nufi, a student of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, who spoke on behalf of children across the country.
Jessica appealed to the government to make quality education free and accessible, strengthen protection against insecurity and violence, and address early marriage, cultism, drug abuse and environmental hazards.
She lamented that poverty, insecurity and harmful social practices continue to deny many Nigerian children, especially girls, access to education and a safe future.
The student also called for improved healthcare services for children with special needs and safer school and community environments.
She urged leaders to build a Nigeria free from drugs, cultism and environmental dangers — a country the younger generation could proudly inherit.
Ending her speech with a pledge on behalf of Nigerian children, Jessica promised that children would continue to obey their parents and teachers, study hard, reject harmful behaviours and grow into responsible leaders if adults fulfilled their responsibilities toward them.
Her remarks received applause from children, parents and dignitaries at the event.
