FG pushes digital literacy, inclusion, child protection ahead of 2026 Children’s Day celebration

Education, Technology

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion, digital literacy and social protection for Nigerian children as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this during a media briefing held on Friday in Abuja ahead of the celebration themed: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

According to the minister, the theme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child is included regardless of gender, disability, socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity or geographical location.

“The Nigerian child is no longer viewed merely as a passive recipient of welfare interventions, but as an active participant in national transformation, innovation, leadership and sustainable development,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim revealed that the ministry had intensified implementation of the “Future Now Initiative” aimed at equipping children with digital literacy, STEM education, innovation exposure, artificial intelligence awareness and other future-ready skills needed to compete in the global digital economy.

She added that through the National Children’s Parliament, the ministry has continued to strengthen child participation and child-friendly programmes to ensure children contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their wellbeing.

“This will ensure that children are not merely beneficiaries of policies, but active contributors to discussions and decisions affecting their lives and wellbeing,” she added.

Also speaking, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.

“We must recommit ourselves to building a healthier, safer and more inclusive Nigeria where no child is left behind,” he stated.

He further called on parents, caregivers, teachers, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media and other stakeholders to continue supporting immunisation, adolescent health, nutrition, maternal and child healthcare as well as child protection initiatives.

Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children Nigeria, Mr Joshua Anar, stressed the need for stakeholders to move beyond commitments and take concrete actions toward strengthening child protection, education and inclusive services for every Nigerian child.

“Today’s event is not only a celebration of children, but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to create an inclusive Nigeria where every child has equal opportunity to thrive,” he said.

Acting Chief Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, Mona Aika, also reaffirmed commitment to strengthening child protection systems, preventing violence and harmful practices, and ensuring children’s rights are protected in every environment.

Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Mrs Boladale Akin-Kolapo, urged stakeholders to continue building inclusive, safe and responsive systems that address the needs of every child.

“Let us continue to amplify children’s voices, protect their rights and create opportunities that allow them to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

Deputy Speaker of the Nigeria Children’s Parliament, Ibrahim Zanna-Sunoma, emphasised the need to invest in equitable opportunities, break barriers of exclusion and create a Nigeria where every child is seen, protected and empowered.

“Anything for us without us is not truly for us. Let them not fail in their responsibility to protect, nurture and empower every child,” he stated.