President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated the commitment of his Administration in continuing to formulate and implement policies aimed at protecting the Nigerian Child, and ensuring that inclusivity in governance practice, truly reflects a national priority for children across every divide in Nigeria.
Speaking during the 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration held at the Eagles Square in Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim said, the future of Nigeria largely depends on government’s efforts in creating opportunities and enabling environment for children to thrive in values and aspirations that portray hope for tomorrow.
”My dear children of Nigeria, today belongs to you. It is a day to celebrate your innocence, your strength, your creativity, your aspirations and the immeasurable value you bring to our Nation. You are the pride of our Republic, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, and the living reminder that we can shape the future of Nigeria by the opportunities we create for our children today”, the President said.
The Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces added that inclusion of children in the scheme of governance depicts a moral foundation for child protection and visibility, as well as an index to enhance equal access to opportunities.
His words, “Inclusion, therefore, must become the moral foundation of our national development. No Nigerian Child should ever feel invisible, unheard, excluded or forgotten. Whether living in urban centres or remote communities, whether physically challenged or socially vulnerable, every child deserves aqual access to quality education, healthcare, protection, nutrition, digital opportunity and the dignity of belonging”.
President Tinubu assured children that government under his watch is totally committed to building a governance culture where children are not merely seen, “but genuinely heard and meaningfully included in conversations that shape their lives and the destiny of our country “.
According to him, the declaration of Year 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development signaled a passionate attention given to the Nigerian Child as a product of strong families supported by national priority for proper child development.
Earlier in her Welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary of FCT Women Affair Secretariat, Dr Asmau Mukhtar, had commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving and supporting the celebration of the 2026 Children’s Day on 25th May, because of Sallah celebration which coincided with event on 27th May.
”Ordinarily, Children’s Day is celebrated on 27th of May, however, due to the forthcoming Sallah celebration, and considering the importance of this national occasion, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu -GCFR, graciously approved the commemoration of the 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration today, the 25th of May, 2026.
The Permanent Secretary used the opportunity to highlight various child care interventions undertaken by the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, including improved care for orphans and other vulnerable children, strengthening of community-based child protection structures and training of auxiliary social workers, all in a bid “to ensure the safety and dignity of every child” in the Federal Capital Territory.
Appraising the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration, the Director of Child Development Department of the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Idris Yahaya Attah, saluted the collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, in ensuring that the event was excellently executed, with such precision in its contingent planning, necessitated by the Presidential approval to hold the event on 25th May, 2026. Dr. Idris commended all stakeholders and committee members for giving their best to ensure a successful celebration for the children.
The Theme of the 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration, _”Future Now: Promoting Inclusion For Every Nigerian Child”_ is widely accepted as being timely and well-crafted to reflect the urgent need to make issues concerning the Nigerian Child, primarily focal and international, especially, against the background of social distractions that threaten proper child care and development.
Highlight of the Children’s Day Celebration was the usual symbolic and colourful march-past by pupils and students of select primary and secondary schools, respectively. The march-past is one of the most visible features of Children’s Day celebration in Nigeria, which signifies the uncompromising visibility of younger generation, and the need for collective responsibility to nuture them for national development.