On Children’s Day 2025 in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu delivered a resolute address condemning bullying and violence, unveiling a multi-faceted strategy to protect children nationwide.
The president emphasized that no child should grow up in fear, asserting that a safe and inclusive environment is essential for learning, development, and national progress. Beyond mere symbolism of Children’s Day 2025 celebration, the president’s message reflected a strategic shift from reactive responses to institutional safeguards that embed child rights into national planning, legal frameworks, and budgeting processes.
Central to the president’s message was the announcement of critical legal reforms, including a nationwide review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015). The aim is to strengthen enforcement and close loopholes in implementation across all 36 states.
Tinubu highlighted the full operationalization of the Cybercrime Act to safeguard children from digital threats, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, showcasing the administration’s awareness of emerging dangers facing children in both physical and virtual spaces.
READ ALSO, Kogi Moves to Enroll Local Government Workers in Health Insurance Scheme
The president also introduced structural initiatives, including the development of a Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) that would enable real-time tracking and responses to child abuse cases.
This is complemented by the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, a move designed to boost child health and cognitive development through better coordination of maternal and child nutrition programmes.
In line with the 2025 Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu called attention to alarming data revealing that up to 65% of school-aged children in Nigeria experience bullying.
He announced the launch of the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to rally nationwide vigilance and community involvement in child protection, making it clear that safeguarding children must go beyond government policies to active community participation.
Education and inclusion also featured prominently in the president’s remarks. Initiatives such as the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, along with the integration of social-emotional learning into teacher training, aim to foster safer, more nurturing school environments.
READ ALSO, Abuja office closure: Tinubu meets FIRS chairman
He also emphasized the role of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children in ensuring educational access for all, irrespective of socioeconomic background.President Bola Tinubu’s 2025 Children’s Day address struck a firm tone against bullying and violence, as he unveiled a multi-pronged approach to safeguarding children across Nigeria.
The president emphasized that no child should grow up in fear, asserting that a safe and inclusive environment is essential for learning, development, and national progress. Beyond mere symbolism, the president’s message reflected a strategic shift from reactive responses to institutional safeguards that embed child rights into national planning, legal frameworks, and budgeting processes.
VIDEO: NEWS HOUR, GOVERNOR ODODO CALLS FOR ENHANCED ROAD SAFETY MEASURES
Central to the president’s message was the announcement of critical legal reforms, including a nationwide review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015). The aim is to strengthen enforcement and close loopholes in implementation across all 36 states.
Tinubu highlighted the full operationalization of the Cybercrime Act to safeguard children from digital threats, cyberbullying, and online exploitation, showcasing the administration’s awareness of emerging dangers facing children in both physical and virtual spaces.
The president also introduced structural initiatives, including the development of a Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) that would enable real-time tracking and responses to child abuse cases.
This is complemented by the establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, a move designed to boost child health and cognitive development through better coordination of maternal and child nutrition programmes.
In line with the 2025 Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu called attention to alarming data revealing that up to 65% of school-aged children in Nigeria experience bullying.
He announced the launch of the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign to rally nationwide vigilance and community involvement in child protection, making it clear that safeguarding children must go beyond government policies to active community participation.
Education and inclusion also featured prominently in the president’s remarks. Initiatives such as the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, along with the integration of social-emotional learning into teacher training, aim to foster safer, more nurturing school environments.
He also emphasized the role of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children in ensuring educational access for all, irrespective of socioeconomic background.
