The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has called for greater inclusion of children and collective responsibility toward securing a better future for Nigerian children.
Tinubu made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while hosting children at the State House Banquet Hall ahead of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27.
She said Children’s Day should go beyond celebration but serve as a reminder of the shared duty of citizens to build a nation where every child is valued, protected, educated and given opportunities to thrive.
The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
The theme of the celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” underscores the need to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion, or social status.
“Children are the heartbeat and future of our nation. The dreams they carry and the talents they possess have the power to transform Nigeria for generations to come.
“That is why inclusion, irrespective of age must remain at the centre of our national development.
“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment where they can reach their full potential
“As a nation and a government, we will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that protect the rights of children and expand opportunities for every child to succeed,” she said.
Tinubu urged children to remain focused on education, embrace discipline and avoid negative peer pressure.
She assured children that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises investment in education, health, nutrition and protection of children’s rights.
The First Lady also commended parents, teachers, caregivers and stakeholders for their commitment to child development, describing their roles as vital in shaping future leaders.
She said their sacrifices, guidance, and dedication played an important role in shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and nation-builders.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development reinforced the importance of families in child protection and national development.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Federal Government remained committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child was protected, educated and empowered irrespective of background or location.
According to her, Children’s Day provides an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment toward safeguarding the nation’s future through investment in children.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Country Representative, Ms Wafaa Abdulatef, commended Nigeria’s efforts toward child development and inclusion.
Abdulatef said Children’s Day should serve as a platform to assess progress in birth registration, education expansion and child protection both online and offline.
She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigerian government to advance the wellbeing of children.
