Children Are Nigeria’s Future, Remi Tinubu Declares, Calls for Inclusive Protection
Grace Omeche
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to prioritise the protection, education, and empowerment of children, insisting that every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or social background.
She made the call during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja ahead of the official May 27 observance, which was rescheduled due to the Sallah celebrations.
The event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” brought together government officials, development partners, security agencies, and young people to discuss strategies for improving child welfare and inclusion nationwide.
Addressing participants, the First Lady described children as the nation’s greatest asset and the foundation of Nigeria’s future prosperity.
According to her, the dreams, creativity, and talents of Nigerian children possess the power to shape the country’s future and drive national transformation.
She commended the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for organising the celebration and reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to improving child welfare through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The First Lady stated that the Federal Government is increasing investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, vocational training, child protection, and science and technology programmes aimed at preparing children for future opportunities.
She added that efforts are also ongoing to remove barriers preventing girls from accessing quality education and development opportunities.
Encouraging Nigerian children to remain focused and disciplined, she urged them not to allow present challenges or circumstances define their future.
“The green, white, green of the Nigerian flag stands tall cheering you on. Nigeria believes in you and expects you to make her proud,” she told the children.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development warned that Nigeria’s more than 100 million children continue to face growing threats, including violence, trafficking, digital exploitation, mental health challenges, and educational inequality.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the Federal Government is reviewing existing child protection policies, including the National Child Policy of 2009 and the Child Rights Act of 2003, to align them with current realities and international standards.
According to her, the reforms under the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774 framework are designed to strengthen child protection systems, improve adoption procedures, and reinforce safeguards against abuse and exploitation.
The Minister noted that special attention is being given to children living with disabilities through improved access to healthcare, education, assistive services, and early intervention programmes.
She also highlighted the contributions of the National Children’s Parliament in grooming future leaders in governance, advocacy, and public service.
In a goodwill message, the UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria praised the creativity, confidence, and innovation displayed by Nigerian children during exhibitions at the event.
The UNICEF official stressed that every child deserves to feel safe at home, in school, within communities, and online, while commending Nigeria for domesticating the Child Rights Act across all 36 states.
According to UNICEF, protecting children from violence, neglect, exploitation, and abuse remains essential to securing Nigeria’s future.
Also speaking at the event, officials of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser warned that children affected by poverty, displacement, conflict, and exclusion remain vulnerable to radicalisation and criminal recruitment.
The Centre emphasised the importance of promoting inclusion, quality education, mentorship, psychosocial support, and peaceful coexistence as critical tools for national security and peacebuilding.
The event also featured the recognition of winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators whose creativity and leadership were celebrated by the First Lady and other dignitaries
