Children’s Day: Tinubu Condemns Bullying, Promises Better Future, Environment
President Bola Tinubu has condemned child bullying and pledged to make the country’s children’s lives safer.
This was the crux of Tinubu’s message for the 2025 Children’s Day event.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu stated that this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”, is a timely reminder of the need to create a culture in which every kid is respected and heard.
“A culture in which every child feels protected, respected, and heard in both physical and digital environments. To be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect are unacceptable in today’s Nigeria.
“Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” declared the leader.
“More than one-third of all youngsters worldwide are bullied on a regular basis. According to surveys, up to 65% of Nigeria’s school-aged children have experienced physical, psychological, or social hostility. Such abuse is inexcusable. A child who learns in dread cannot learn effectively. “A child who grows in fear cannot grow properly.”
According to Tinubu, the federal government and states across the country are taking steps to protect children, whom he refers to as the future of our country and the guardians of future promise, creativity, and leadership.
He described these initiatives as include “the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024-2030), which I recently launched.”
“The plan lays out a comprehensive strategy for preventing abuse, prosecuting abusers, and assisting victims, supported by strong funding and cross-sector collaboration.
“I am glad to report that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, demonstrating our united will to safeguard and provide for the welfare of children. However, laws will not be enough to protect our children. We need a comprehensive approach in which parents, teachers, caretakers, church leaders, policymakers, and citizens all take responsibility.”
He urged Nigerians, particularly stakeholders, to prioritise child rights in their budgets, plans, and policies.
“I applaud states that are taking courageous actions for our children’s wellbeing, and I urge those who have yet to act: now is the moment.” Our children are more than just statistics; they are the heart of our nation,” President Tinubu stated. “Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.”