President Bola Tinubu has strongly denounced all forms of child bullying and pledged to foster a safer, more supportive environment for children across Nigeria.
In a message commemorating the 2025 Children’s Day, the President emphasized the importance of this year’s theme: “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.” He described it as a vital call to action for creating a society where every child is valued, protected, and given a voice.
“We must cultivate a culture in which children feel secure, respected, and heard—whether in classrooms, homes, or online spaces,” Tinubu stated. “Bullying, abuse, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria we are building.”
Highlighting the global and national prevalence of child bullying, Tinubu cited troubling statistics, noting that over one in three children worldwide face bullying, while in Nigeria, up to 65% of schoolchildren have encountered physical, emotional, or social abuse. “This is deeply concerning,” he said. “A child cannot thrive in fear, nor can they learn effectively under constant threat.”
Children: The Foundation of Nigeria’s Future
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding children, whom he referred to as “the heartbeat of our future and the bearers of tomorrow’s innovation and leadership.”
He pointed to the implementation of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a strategic framework aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting offenders, and supporting victims through strong financing and multi-sectoral collaboration.
Tinubu also praised the progress made in child protection legislation, noting that all 36 states have now adopted the Child Rights Act. However, he stressed that legal measures alone are not enough.
“Real change demands collective responsibility,” he said. “Parents, teachers, religious leaders, lawmakers, and every citizen must play their part in ensuring our children are safe and empowered.”
He urged government officials and stakeholders to prioritize child welfare in their planning and budgeting processes. “I applaud the states making significant strides in supporting children’s well-being and call on others to take meaningful action. Children are not just numbers—they are the soul of our nation.”
Concluding his message, President Tinubu called for a national commitment to ending child suffering and promoting a society where every child can grow with dignity, peace, and love.
