Children’s Day 2025: Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection, Declares Zero Tolerance for Bullying

Children’s Day 2025: Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Child Protection, Declares Zero Tolerance for BullyingPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of Nigerian children, as the country marks the 2025 National Children’s Day.In a heartfelt message on Tuesday, the President celebrated Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” pledging his government’s dedication to protecting their rights and nurturing their potential.This year’s Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” resonated strongly with Tinubu, who emphasized the urgent need to foster a safe environment—both offline and online—where children are respected and empowered.“Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria,” the President declared, citing alarming statistics showing that up to 65% of Nigerian schoolchildren have experienced some form of bullying. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”President Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the full rollout of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030). He also announced a comprehensive review of key legislations—the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015)—to close implementation gaps and ensure nationwide enforcement.He commended the domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states, calling it a “reflection of collective resolve,” while stressing that laws alone are insufficient. “A holistic approach involving parents, teachers, faith leaders, and all citizens is necessary to protect our children.”The President further revealed progress in strengthening national systems for child protection, including the scaling-up of the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) and community-based mechanisms led by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.As part of a long-term strategy, Tinubu announced plans to establish a robust institutional framework exclusively focused on child protection and development to enhance accountability and coordination across sectors.He urged all Nigerians to work together in building a safer, more inclusive society for the next generation.