The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can dream boldly, grow safely, and thrive without discrimination. The nation commemorated the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, running under the theme: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the national celebration by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. Delivering the President’s official address, the Minister described Nigerian children as “the pride of the Republic” and the nation’s most valuable investment.
“There is a timeless beauty in the laughter of children. In the eyes of every Nigerian child lives the story of our collective tomorrow,” President Tinubu stated.
The President emphasized that the future is not a distant promise waiting somewhere ahead, but is already present in every classroom, playground, rural community, internally displaced person’s camp, and young Nigerian whose voice longs to be heard. He stressed that inclusion must remain at the heart of national development, ensuring no child feels invisible, unheard, or forgotten.
Strategic Investments Under the Renewed Hope Agenda
President Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains firmly committed to listening to children and placing their welfare at the centre of governance through policies and investments under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that a nation that listens to its children is one that is wisely preparing for the future.
Highlighting key interventions, the President pointed out the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention–774, the Nutrition 774 Initiative, and the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN 2.0) programme. He also spotlighted targeted investments in STEM education, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) as strategic platforms designed to strengthen families and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
Furthermore, the President explained that the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development reflects the government’s recognition that strong families are the bedrock of national stability. He added that the true measure of national progress lies in the safeguards built for children to learn freely and succeed honourably.
FCT Advances Local Child Protection Systems
The Honourable Minister of Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barrister Nyesom Wike, who was represented by Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, Esq, the Permanent Secretary/Acting Mandate Secretary of the Women Affairs Secretariat FCTA, described the occasion as both a celebration and a call to action.
Wike praised the Federal Government and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, for sustaining national attention on child welfare. He reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to advancing child protection across the entire Federal Capital Territory.
He noted that, in collaboration with UNICEF Nigeria, the Women Affairs Secretariat has significantly strengthened community-based child protection systems, trained auxiliary social workers, and intensified the monitoring of orphanages and care homes across the FCT to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child.
A Call from the Youth: Education, Safety, and Responsibility
Adding the voice of Nigerian children to the national conversation, Jessica Nufi, a student of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja, delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of children across the country, calling on leaders to guarantee access to free education, child safety, and a more inclusive future.
“We ask our leaders to hand over to us a Nigeria we can be proud of a Nigeria where every child belongs,” Jessica said.
She also urged her peers across the nation to reject social vices including drug abuse, cultism, bullying, and environmental neglect, pledging that Nigerian children are prepared to become responsible citizens. She affirmed that the youth are ready to study hard, obey the law, and contribute positively to national development.
The colorful ceremony brought together government officials, lawmakers, development partners, students, teachers, parents, civil society organizations, and child rights advocates. The event successfully brought to a close a week-long series of activities commemorating Children’s Day 2026, which included a ministerial press briefing, child engagement sessions, and a children’s party hosted at the Presidential Villa.
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