The House of Representatives on Tuesday held a special plenary session to mark the 2025 Children’s Day, joining millions of Nigerians to celebrate the resilience, promise, and vitality of the Nigerian child.
Students from various schools, including Innocent Achievers School (Nasarawa), Fama Islamic International School, and Phoebe Kiddies International School, observed the day’s proceedings from the gallery and were warmly welcomed by members.
A symbolic highlight of the session was when the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen vacated his seat for Lawal Haruna Sani, a student of Government Secondary School, Kuje, to preside in ceremonial capacity as ‘Shadow Speaker’ marking the second of such gesture by the Speaker during the 10th Assembly.
“This act underscored the House’s commitment to child inclusion and civic education. The student, visibly elated, expressed gratitude for the opportunity,” Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, Spokesman, House of Representatives said in a statement.
Also in commemoration, 50 senior secondary school students from public and private institutions were formally admitted to the chamber to witness proceedings and tour the National Assembly.
This was pursuant to Order Six, Rule 4(2) of the House Standing Orders, following a motion moved by House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere.
The day’s business featured a Matter of Urgent National Importance sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson, Committee on Women Affairs, and seconded by Rep. Fatima Talba.
The motion called on the Federal Government to prioritise child welfare policies, expand rural ICT infrastructure, review the Child Rights Act, and implement digital literacy programmes. Oversight Committees were tasked with ensuring compliance.
The motion sponsor also reiterated the need for the House’s support for the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Bill, which passed Second Reading on May 15, 2025.
Resuming the Chair, Speaker Abbas remarked: “On this day dedicated to childhood dreams and tomorrow’s leaders, we are reminded that life itself is a gift entrusted to us. We commend the curiosity and courage of our children.
“Special recognition goes to the young student who took the Speaker’s chair—symbolising our enduring commitment to honouring children and encouraging their dreams. May his excitement remind us that our highest duty is to build a future worthy of their promise”.
Ten schools from the FCT (six public and four private) later held an engagement session with the Speaker: GSS Bwari, GGSS Abaji, GSS Kwali, GSS Gwagwalada, GSS Kagini, GSS Kuje, Kingsville School Jabi, Africa Community School Asokoro, International Community School Jabi, and Britarch School Lugbe.
“This observance reaffirms the 10th House’s unwavering dedication to child rights and welfare. Through responsive legislation and oversight, the House continues to tackle the pressing issues of out-of-school children, abuse, poor learning outcomes, and inadequate healthcare, while advocating for full domestication of the Child Rights Act across all states.
“As the nation marks Children’s Day, the House salutes the courage of children, particularly those enduring hardship, and appreciates the commitment of parents, educators, caregivers, civil society, and institutions working for their wellbeing.
“The House urges all Nigerians to turn celebration into action by lifting up children’s voices and building a nation where every child is protected, empowered, and never left behind,” the statement added.