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Children’s Day: Tinubu Launches Anti-Bullying Drive, Pledges Stronger Child Protection

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection, development, and well-being of Nigerian children in a message marking the 2025 National Children’s Day.

In his address on Tuesday, President Tinubu described children as the “pride and future” of Nigeria, the “heartbeat of the country’s tomorrow,” and the “custodians of future leadership, innovation, and progress.”

Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu condemned all forms of bullying and violence, whether physical or digital, insisting that “such behaviours have no place in today’s Nigeria.”

“A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” he said.

He highlighted alarming statistics, including findings that up to 65% of Nigerian school-age children have faced physical, psychological, or social aggression, calling the figures “unacceptable.”

The president outlined key initiatives under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including:

  • Full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).
  • Review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand protection.
  • Use of the Cybercrime Act to combat cyberbullying and online abuse.
  • Launch of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time tracking of abuse cases.
  • Establishment of a dedicated Department of Nutrition and Department for Child Protection and Development under the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
  • Scaling up of Mother and Child Hospitals and community-based protection systems.

Additionally, Tinubu announced a nationwide campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” to promote vigilance and community responsibility in protecting children.

“Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you,” he told children across the nation.

He urged all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, religious leaders, and lawmakers, to act decisively in safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring no child is left behind.

“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,” Tinubu said.

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