President Tinubu pledges stronger protection for Nigerian children on Children’s Day

Events-Festivals

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has marked Children’s Day 2026 with a heartfelt message celebrating every Nigerian child — from those excelling in school to those living with disabilities, learning trades, or enduring hardship with resilience.

He described children as “the pride of our Republic, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise,” while emphasising the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

The President acknowledged the painful reality that some children and teachers in Oyo and Borno States remain in captivity, assuring families that they are “not forgotten, not abandoned.”

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He directed security agencies to intensify intelligence‑led rescue operations and strengthen school protection measures in high‑risk areas, including vulnerability mapping, rapid response links, and community‑based early warning systems.

Tinubu also ordered ministries to provide reintegration support for rescued children, including medical care, counselling, and education.

He stressed that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility, urging parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and communities to share information quickly to prevent attacks.

“Your dreams matter; your safety matters; your education matters,” Tinubu affirmed, pledging continued investment in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills, and safer communities to ensure every Nigerian child can grow and dream without fear.