By Palma Ileye
A powerful call has been made by the Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, on parents, governments and other institutions to give wholistic attention to the wellbeing of children in Nigeria.
In a resolute address to mark the 2025 National Children’s Day, Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on all Nigerians to unite in building a bully-free generation, emphasizing that the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every child must become a national priority.
The event, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja, convened government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, educators, media, and school children under the theme: “Speak Up, Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In her keynote, the Minister described the Day as “A moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to protect the rights and welfare of every Nigerian child.”
Citing alarming statistics and tragic cases of bullying, she warned that bullying in all its forms—physical, emotional, cyber, and institutional—was a national emergency that threatens the development, mental health, and safety of children.
She declared, “Bullying is not just a school issue; it is a societal problem that breeds fear, isolation, anxiety, and even suicide. We must end it.”
She highlighted national and global efforts being championed by Nigeria, including the National Policy on Anti-Bullying, the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, and Nigeria’s commitments under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s pledge made at the First Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia (Nov. 2024) and the recent Pathfinder African Regional Meeting held in Abuja (May 2025).
“Notable initiatives announced include: Roll-out of National Guidelines on Alternative Care; Review of the 2003 Child Rights Act and 2008 National Child Policy; Development of a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene; Establishment of a Child Protection Knowledge Hub and Service Structure; Promotion of maternity and paternity leave policies; Strengthening of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament as a platform for child advocacy,” she said.
“To our children—your voice matters. Speak up. Stand tall. Never be afraid to ask for help,” the Minister urged.
She extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for their leadership and compassion for children, as well as to State Governors, lawmakers, civil society, private sector partners, and the media for their continued collaboration.
Speaking at the children’s rally and march-past, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, commended the vibrant participation of school children, teachers, parents, and organizers.
She reminded all stakeholders that the responsibility of building a safe Nigeria for children goes beyond commemoration events.
“Building a bullying-free generation must continue through the values we inculcate at home, in schools, and within our communities,” she emphasized.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she concluded with a powerful reminder: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
The 2025 Children’s Day Celebration continues with a special showcase at the State House Banquet Hall and commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th 2025.
Also, in a press conference to mark the National Children’s Day, Honourable Progress Friday Umoh, the Speaker of the National Children’s Parliament in a statement said, “I am here before you today, not just as a young girl from Nigeria, but as a representative to the millions of children whose voices deserve to echo through the halls of power, policy, and national progress.
“I begin by extending my sincere gratitude to the Honorable Minister, ma’am. Your commitment, tireless advocacy, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and Nigeria have not gone unnoticed. In times where voices go unheard, yours has been resounding, firm, and filled with purpose. Thank you for carrying us, the Nigerian children — in your plans, heart, and action.
“As the Speaker of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament, I must also highlight the vibrant role the Parliament plays in child advocacy — serving as a platform where children come together to deliberate on pressing issues affecting us. Through sittings, we interact, share experiences, and present our resolutions to the government, offering possible solutions to the challenges children face across the country. It is through this active engagement that we amplify our voices and drive change from a child’s perspective
“The theme for this year’s National Children’s Day, “Stand Up, Speak Up; Building a Bullying-Free Generation” couldn’t be more timely. As we gather here, children across nations are navigating fear, violence, and exclusion in spaces that should nurture them. It is time we give them more than just promises — we must give them protection, platforms, and power.
“We need to see the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools implemented across the country — not just on paper, but in practice, every school, every state. A child cannot learn in fear or in a war zone. Safety in learning environments must be the standard, not the exception.
“We must go beyond signing the Safe School Declaration and start bringing it to life, especially in crisis-prone areas. No child should sit in a classroom and wonder if they’ll make it home.
“In our schools, especially in underserved and rural areas, we must strengthen child rights advocacy clubs. These clubs create awareness, spark bold conversations, and build young leaders. This creates a means of inclusivity, which is in line with child participation, which is one of the fundamental children’s rights.
“I want to appreciate the government for establishing the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education. However, more needs to be done. These are not invisible children; these are future leaders, teachers, innovators — and they deserve more. I call for a comprehensive action plan to rescue, protect, and rehabilitate these children, creating safe spaces, access to quality education, and equipping them with digital and technological skills.
“I want to highlight the Girl-Led Movement initiative that was supported by Save the Children International. Through this, girls have the opportunity to raise their voices, share lived experiences, and contribute meaningfully to issues that affect them. It was powerful, it was necessary, and it must not be the last of its kind.
“More of such initiatives should be supported and scaled, including that of the boy child. We must not just be in conversations; we must be at the center of them.
“So to the Honorable Minister and to every partner here today, I say thank you for not just listening, but for acting. Let us build a Nigeria where children are safe, a Nigeria free from child labor and trafficking, a Nigeria where every child, no matter where they come from, has the tools to learn, dream, speak, and rise.
“Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
She also hails from Akwa Ibom State.
