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Tag: Children’s Day

  • Reps hold special plenary session in honour of Nigerian children

    Reps hold special plenary session in honour of Nigerian children

    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.

  • Nigerian children have glorious future – Uzodimma

    Nigerian children have glorious future – Uzodimma

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo has reaffirmed the commitment of the state to ensure a brighter future for Imo children, saying the groundwork for protecting their future had already been established.

    Uzodimma stated this in a message he personally signed to commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day on Monday in Owerri.

    The governor assured the children that President Bola Tinubu and the state governors were committed to building a progressive future and lasting development filled with opportunities.

    Uzodimma said, “the groundwork being laid for today’s children would ensure that one day Nigerian children would inherit a prosperous and peaceful nation.”

    The governor urged the children never to lose hope or give in to despair, despite the tough economic times facing the world and the country in particular.

    He said that the economic reforms being carried out by the current administration would strengthen Nigeria’s growth, especially in building roads, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure.

    He said that in Imo, his administration had begun to revitalise the health and education sectors, which according to him are the two pillars that essentially help children grow, learn and thrive.

    Uzodimma, urged Nigerian children to believe in their country, stay in school and acquire useful skills to build a better future through hard work.

    He further, urged them to stay away from bad influences such as cultism, theft and other harmful behaviours capable of ruining their future.

    The governor encouraged the children to appreciate the sacrifices their parents make by showing them love, respect and obedience.

  • Children’s Day: What we want from Nigeria – National Children’s Parliament

    Children’s Day: What we want from Nigeria – National Children’s Parliament

    National Children’s Parliament has urged stakeholders to build a Nigeria where no child faces violence, forced labour or exclusion.

    The Speaker of the parliament, Progress Umoh, made the call at the 2025 National Children’s Day in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Umoh said that children craved for a country where every child has the tool to learn, dream and grow to full potential.

    She pointed out that many children face violence, fear and exclusion in spaces meant to nurture them, adding that children demand more than promises.

    “We demand protection. As Nelson Mandela said — a society’s soul is measured by how it treats its children. Let us honour that truth with action.

    “As the speaker of the National Children’s Parliament, I stand before you not just as a young Nigerian but as a voice for millions of children whose rights and future depend on meaningful action.”

    She said that the Children’s Parliament serves as vital platform where young voices unite to address critical issues, propose solutions and drive change.

    According to her, children deserve a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect them.

    She noted that the theme of the global observance — “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, is an urgent call to action.

    She, therefore, called for full implementation of the National Policy on Safe Schools to ensure every child learns in a safe environment without fear.

    The speaker also stressed the need to strengthen child rights advocacy clubs in rural and underserved areas.

    This, according to her, will empower young leaders to speak up.

    She explained that “while initiatives like the National Commission for Almajiri Education are commendable, we need bolder steps to rescue out-of-school children, providing them education, safety and skills for the future.

    “Programmes like the Girl-Led Movement proves that when children lead, change happens, such
    initiatives must include all children, ensuring their voices shape decisions about their lives.”

    Responding, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights, dreams and future of every Nigerian child.

    Represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, the president described children as “the precious part of the nation’s fabric.”

    Wike was also represented at the event by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

    Tinubu added that children are also the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future and custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation and leadership.

    He said “I, therefore, reaffirm today, our constitutional, moral and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect their rights and nurture their dreams.”

    Similarly, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said children’s day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to uphold the rights of every child to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the day also presents an opportunity to reflect and renew commitment to the rights, protection and wellbeing of every Nigerian child.

    She said the Federal Government would strengthen the Nigeria Children’s Parliament to institutionalise child participation in governance.

    “We are also developing the institutional framework for a National Child Protection and Development Agency.

    “This strategic action aligned with the ministry’s Five-Year Strategic Roadmap to ensure accountability, coordination and sustainability in child welfare programming.”

    On her part, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Pioneer Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs, said “we are here to recognise the significance of our children in the family circle and the society at large.

    “Importantly, we are here to stress the obvious fact that our children are great asset to us, they represent our hope, our continuity, our vision and most importantly, the future of our dear country, Nigeria.

    “Today, as we gather to celebrate our children, we call on our teeming students in FCT to rise against bullying and speak up whenever confronted with this radical menace.

    “I urge you to avoid bullying and channel all your energy to academic resourcefulness to shape a better tomorrow for yourselves”.

  • Children’s Day: Ebonyi Govt. to review policies against child bullying

    Children’s Day: Ebonyi Govt. to review policies against child bullying

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that government has commenced efforts to review the existing policies against child bullying.

    Nwifuru gave the hint on Tuesday, during the this year’s Children’s Day celebration, with the theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

    The governor, represented by Deputy Gov. Patricia Obila, frowned at the rampant cases of bullying in society and mandated the Commissioners for Education and Women Affairs to set up a committee to work out the modalities to review policies against bullying.

    He said that the committee would introduce a help-line to assist victims and enable the appropriate authorities to take action.

    He called on parents, teachers, and caregivers to always listen to children and gave assurance that the safety of children remained a top priority of his administration.

    In a remark, the Wife of the Governor, Mary-Maudline, promised a safe learning environment for children and urged them to speak up in order to inspire change.

    Nwifuru said that her foundation would be expanding mental health awareness by training teachers across the state to dictate bullying and take step to intervene.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, said a bullying-free generation is a collective action and urged children to speak up when molested in order to get justice.

    The Speaker, Ebonyi Children Parliament, Victor Obasi, and his deputy, Elvis Nnanna, appreciated the governor for the children-friendly policies in the state, describing children’s needs as multi-dimensional.

  • CHILDREN’S DAY: Who speaks for the forgotten child?

    CHILDREN’S DAY: Who speaks for the forgotten child?

    Every 27th of May, Nigeria celebrates Children’s Day, a date marked with joy on calendars, particularly among families whose children are enrolled in public and private schools, and live in relative comfort. Across cities and towns, the day comes alive with parades, carnivals, school competitions, and speeches. Children beam with excitement in crisp uniforms as they march past proud parents and top government officials. Politicians step forward with the usual promises to improve education, enhance healthcare, safeguarding children’s rights.

    But as the drums fade and cameras turn away, a more sobering reality quietly persists. For millions of Nigerian children, there is no music, no parade, no celebration. Only silence, hunger, and hardship. While children of the privileged few bask in attention, gifts, and affirmations, others wander the streets with empty bowls, live in makeshift shelters, or wake up to yet another day of forced labor, abuse, or neglect. These children do not know Children’s Day. And if they do, it means nothing to the lives they live.

    In northern Nigeria, the almajiri child roams barefoot, bowl in hand, begging for food and survival. They are sent away from their families, sometimes as young as five, in the name of religious education. But what they experience is often a life stripped of care, shelter, hygiene, and dignity. In the East, West, and South, children are hawking goods at busy intersections, working on farms, enduring domestic servitude, or trapped in exploitative situations. The girl-child in many rural areas still faces early marriage, sexual abuse, and lack of access to school. These are not rare exceptions. They are common realities, faced daily by millions of Nigerian minors.

    These children have no voice in the public ceremonies. They are not represented in the stadium parades. There are no banners with their names, no television coverage of their dreams, and no space made for their pain. They live in the cracks of our national conscience, forgotten in the glitter of official celebrations.

    Children’s Day in Nigeria must now mean something more. It can no longer be a feel-good event for the few, while the many languish in obscurity. The occasion must be reimagined as a national moment for truth-telling, intervention, and impact. If we truly value our children as the future, then that future must begin with action today.

    The 27th of May should become a day of mass outreach where agencies, NGOs, and local governments descend on underserved communities to deliver healthcare, meals, psychosocial support, and access to learning. It should be a day when national and state governments release measurable progress reports on child welfare, tracking how many children were rescued from abuse, enrolled in school, or reunited with families.

    Children’s Day should be the time when the voiceless are heard through open dialogues, through children’s forums where boys and girls from every class, background, and region share their hopes and fears. Not just children in Abuja or Lagos, but also those in Makoko, Okpoko, Maiduguri, Aba, Jalingo, and the riverine communities of the Niger Delta.

    If truly observed, this day can become the most important civic holiday of the year. An opportunity not just to promise, but to perform. The almajiri child must be brought into the education system with care and protection. The girl-child must be empowered to remain in school and reach her full potential. Child labor must no longer be an acceptable sight on our streets. Child protection laws must be enforced, not just signed.

    These goals are not unreachable. What they require is honest commitment and moral urgency. Religious and traditional leaders must become partners in this effort. The media must tell the stories of the forgotten child, not just for sympathy, but to provoke conscience and catalyze change.

    Nigeria cannot afford to entertain illusions. A nation that parades its children while abandoning millions to fate is not celebrating, it is performing. The children we neglect today are the adults we will fear tomorrow. We must choose now between fleeting fanfare and enduring reform.

    Because the real celebration of children does not lie in uniforms and dance steps, but in food on their plates, books in their hands, and dreams in their hearts. When the last parade ends, when the microphones go silent, and the dignitaries depart, the question that must echo in our minds is simple, haunting, and urgent: Who speaks for the forgotten child?

     Paul Nwosu PhD is the Chairman of BeeCharity Outlook Foundation, an advocate group against Child Labor

  • Children’s Day: Why parents should stand firmly against bullying among children – Mrs Tinubu

    Children’s Day: Why parents should stand firmly against bullying among children – Mrs Tinubu

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has enjoined parents and guardians to take an active stand against bullying among children in order to protect them and ensure a brighter for them.

    In her message in commemoration of 2025 Children’s Day, the first lady extends her profound love to every child across the nation.

    She said that every child deserves to grow up in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear.

    “This year’s theme, “Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” speaks to our shared responsibility to protect and empower the young hearts and minds who represent the promise of Nigeria’s future.

    “Whether it occurs in schools, in communities, or online, bullying leaves lasting wounds that hinders a child’s emotional, social, and academic development.

    “As a mother, I call on all Nigerians to take an active stand against bullying. Let us teach our children that strength lies in compassion, and that true leadership begins with looking out for one another,” Tinubu said.

    Children’s Day highlights the importance of children’s rights, provides a platform for awareness and advocacy, and promotes the well-being of children worldwide.

    It also serves as a reminder to invest in children, as their healthy development is crucial for a better future for all.

  • FG told to prioritise children’s mental health

    FG told to prioritise children’s mental health

    The Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) a Rehabilitation centre, Dr Hope Omeiza has urged governments at all levels to place priority on children’s mental health for the development of the Nation.

    Omeiza said this in an interview on Monday in Abuja to mark the Year 2024 Children’s Day celebtation with the theme: “For every child, every right.”

    VGADA Detox Centre, is a leading provider of addiction treatment and recovery services in Abuja.

    Omeiza said that an estimated 21.5 million Nigerian children under the age of 18 were in need of mental health services according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) .

    He emphasised that young people account for about seventy percent of the nation’s population, thus solving their challenges which include drug addiction associated with mental health.

    He also said that there was need for the federal government to create an enabling environment to help the children and youths cope with societal challenges among others.

    He added that prioritising children’s mental health would also give teachers and parents the opportunity to know the social functioning of the children and their immediate environment.

    According to him, we must continue to emphasise the importance of mental health because until you are mentally healthy, you cannot contribute to your immediate environment.

    “We must understand that contribution to our immediate society is a function of our mental health and we must collectively build a mentally healthy society across the country.

    “Without mental health, productivity cannot be achieved. This is because of its impacts on learning and academic performance of the children , hence the need for us to prioritise it,” he said.

    Omeiza said that there was also need to continually raise awareness on the consequences of drug abuse for children and the importance of improving mental health.

    He also stressed the need for NGOs and CSOs to be active participants in improving mental health communities.

    “It is important because these children will grow up to become community actors tomorrow and so, must be aware of the importance of these things.

    “Government should continue to provide support for individuals by providing mental health services while making it accessible to them,” he said.

    Omeiza however, urged children and youths to embrace the right decisions that would better their lives.

    He  called on stakeholders to join forces to stop all forms of drug abuse and also urged children and youths to be properly guided not to get involved in such acts.

    He also called on spirited individuals to join the oraganisation in raising awareness and advocating for increased investment in mental health services for children in Nigeria.

  • Children’s Day: Tinubu calls for strengthened family unit

    Children’s Day: Tinubu calls for strengthened family unit

    President Bola Tinubu celebrates Nigeria’s children on the special occasion of Children’s Day, saying they are the bearers of the nation’s torch into the future.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Monday in Abuja, said Tinubu rejoiced with parents and called for strengthening of the family unit.

    According to the president, the family is a place where the sacred values of honesty, modesty, hard work and charity are passed down to the shining lights of tomorrow.

    Tinubu affirms that society is a reflection of each family unit as a collective, urging the preservation of those principles “that make us a wholesome, nurturing and thriving nation.”

    The president said his administration was sparing no effort in ensuring that Nigeria’s children had a solid footing for the realisation of their dreams.

    He said this was being done through increased investments in education, and the recent overhauling of the entire education system to provide both human and material resources for learning.

    He said the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education was not relenting in its effort to get the nation’s precious gifts off the streets.

    “The administration will continue to expand access to qualitative education for all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.

    The president reassured the nation of his commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for the children while improving the standard of education.

  • Children’s Day: How to make parenting easier

    Children’s Day: How to make parenting easier

    Some parents in Karu Local Government Council of Nasarawa State, have advised fellow parents to maintain close friendship with their children for easy and fruitful parenting.

    Some of the parents, who spoke in separate interviews on Monday, explained that close friendship with children enabled parents to relate and communicate properly with them.

    One of the respondents, Mr Emmanuel Israel explaining the smartness and emotionally independent of the new generation children unlike the old generation, emphasised intimacy was required in training them.

    “These days, children are smarter than how you see them. Most times they tend to get their problems solved by themselves or by their friends outside.

    “So, for a parent to get information from a child, you need to get close to the child and also give the child sense of confidence that he or she can trust you.

    “And for this to happen, your child has to see you as not only a parent, but best friend and who will always be there for him or her,” Israel said.

    Similarly, Mrs Folashade Vincent, mother of three and Proprietress of Wemicent International Schools Koruduma, Karu said that being close to your child is the key to getting the best from the child.

    According to her, with the state of the society and the happenings around, any parent that wants to succeed in bringing up her child must develop an unbreakable friendship.

    “If that bond is there with your child, he or she will communicate properly with you without any fear or discrimination.

    “Remember, whatever your child does not confine in you, he or she will definitely confide in someone else and the result may not turn out well.

    “Following the wrongs in the society these days, every child should be able to find solace in the parents and this can only be achieved if a parent is friendly with the child.’’

    According to Vincent, when there is free flow of information between parents and children, training and getting it right becomes easy both sides and right advice becomes inevitable.

    Mr Luis Auta, a business man, noted that the level of cyber bullying and other form of bullying was on the increase and as such parents needed to do more outside their usual way of training.

    He said that parents should at every point in time; make their children see them as the best people they could confide in.

    “Many kids have committed suicide because they could not voice out what they are passing through.

    “Parents should first of all make their children their best friends, thereby making it obvious to the children and by so doing the children will always tell them their problems.

    “When such friendship is established, these children will be eager to discuss things that happened both in the open and in secret with their parents.

    “Children should not be afraid of discussing sensitive issues with their parents.” Auta advised.

    However, Mrs Tola Balogun, a business woman at Mararaba market, said that in as much as it was good to be close and friendly with your child, it should not be taken for granted.

    Balogun added that,”spearing the rod, can spoil the child” as some children needed strictness in bringing them up because being too friendly with them could as well ruin their lives.

  • How to stop children from being attracted to vices – Soludo

    How to stop children from being attracted to vices – Soludo

    Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has said giving children adequate parental care would reduce their attraction to crimes and vices capable of destroying their lives.

    Soludo, also the Founder of Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion when she visited and cooked for children at Model Community Children’s Home, Awka, to celebrate 2024 Children’s Day .

    Children’s Day is marked every May 27, to celebrate children all over the world, and for adults to remember their childhood experiences.

    She urged parents to make it a daily routine to celebrate their children, to give them a sense of belonging and make them feel loved.

    “I’m here to celebrate the Children’s Day with the children by cooking for them and feeding them. They need motherly love, care and warmth.

    “We need to celebrate our children everyday. As a mother, I celebrate my children every day because they deserve to be celebrated.

    “With adequate love and parental care, they can not deviate, even under peer pressure influence. They will not be attracted to crimes and vices.

    “While growing up, my mum played a wonderful role in my life. Because of the way she celebrated me, I could not afford to misbehave as a student in boarding house because I know she will be disappointed.

    “That is why parents must be positive with their children. They need more of assurance and blessings than curse, because whatever you tell them will always come to pass,” she said.

    The governor’s wife advised the children to be focused and to listen to their parents for proper guidance and direction in life.

    “For the children, times are very hard, especially with the era of social media influence. They should be focused and listen to their parents because they are the people that will guide them and tell them the truth.

    “Whatever you see out there in the social media can be deceptive and misleading. But that of the parents will lead you to the right path and the sky will be your limit,” she said.

    Earlier, Rev. Sister Philomena Akuchukwu, Coordinator of the home, appreciated the governor’s wife for the visit, describing her motherly care and attention to the children as top-notch.

    “Since you came into office, you have not set eyes off our home. You visit us practically every month with food and drinks. You made our home your second home and know each and everyone of us very well.

    “You cook for us by yourself, feed us and again pay our school fees. May God bless, protect, reward and keep you safe for us,” she said.