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Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and governors across the country on Wednesday marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration with renewed calls for inclusion, protection and greater investment in the welfare and education of children.
Children’s Day is celebrated annually on May 27 to promote the rights, welfare and protection of children, while also drawing attention to issues affecting their development, education and well-being.
In her personally signed Children’s Day message, Tinubu encouraged children to take responsibility for their future and build their character, discipline and commitment to learning as the surest path to the future they desire.
According to her, the year’s theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ served as a reminder that the future Nigerians desire for their children must begin in the present.
She said, “My message to children on this special day is to take ownership of today in a responsible and purposeful manner.
“The future you desire is shaped by the choices you make now. It is important to stay focused, make wise decisions, and use your time productively…Our children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are active participants in shaping our present.”
She cautioned against destructive or unrealistic pursuits, saying a brighter tomorrow could only be built through deliberate personal development.
“A brighter tomorrow cannot be achieved by pursuing destructive or unrealistic paths, but by building your character, discipline, and a commitment to learning and growth,” she added.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing inclusive and quality education for every Nigerian child as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
Alausa pledged on Wednesday while hosting children from different schools and backgrounds, alongside disability advocate and actress Dera Osadebe, at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Ikharo Attah, the event was organised to amplify the voices of Nigerian children and reinforce national efforts toward inclusive education and child development.
Speaking during the event, the minister described Children’s Day as a reminder of the country’s responsibility to invest in the future of children through education, well-being, and equal opportunities.
“Today is about celebrating the strength, creativity, and limitless potential of our children. Every Nigerian child deserves to feel seen, heard, encouraged, and supported to achieve their dreams regardless of background or circumstance,” the minister said.
He praised Osadebe for promoting awareness and inclusion for children living with disabilities and autism, noting that her advocacy continues to inspire conversations around empathy and equal opportunities.
“Dera’s courage and passion reflect the resilience and brilliance that exist in millions of Nigerian children.
“Her voice continues to inspire important conversations around inclusion, empathy, and equal opportunity for every child,” he added.
Alausa said the celebration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises child development, inclusive education, youth empowerment and expanded access to quality learning opportunities nationwide.
“Children are at the heart of our nation’s future, and we must continue to create opportunities that allow them to learn, grow, and succeed,” he stated.
The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of children through policies and programmes that promote inclusive education, safe learning spaces and equal opportunities across the country.
Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare, education, and inclusion of children in the state.
According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammad and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the governor declared that “every policy” under his government was designed with the future of children in mind.
Radda described children as the most sacred trust any society holds and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in Katsina, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance, has a genuine and dignified shot at a bright future.
“Today belongs to our children. They are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are the heartbeat of today. Every policy we make, every naira we invest, and every structure we build is ultimately for them,” the release stated.
The governor noted that the appointment of Faruq Lema, a young boy from Batagarawa Local Government Area, as his Special Assistant on Children’s Affairs symbolised his administration’s deep commitment to placing children’s voices at the centre of governance and decision-making.
He further explained that the three multi-million-naira model and smart secondary schools in the three senatorial zones in Radda, Jikamshi, and Dumurkul were specifically designed for gifted children from poor, rural, and disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise have no access to quality education.
He said the facilities boast 24-hour electricity, internet connectivity, robotics and artificial intelligence laboratories, and a fully digital learning ecosystem bringing technology-driven education to children who need it most.
The governor noted with pride that 996 students are set to begin studies in the new schools, following a transparent special admissions process that has drawn commendation from European Union diplomats and international education observers alike.
“Recognising that inclusion begins with getting every child through the school gate, the Building Your Future administration, in partnership with the Gwagware Foundation, launched the Back-to-School Programme, a dedicated intervention scheme targeting out-of-school children across the state,” the statement added.
The governor recalled that two dedicated special advisers on out-of-school children were appointed and sworn in.
He described the decision as a governance that is committed to solving problems through structural means.
“No child in Katsina should be roaming the streets when there is a classroom waiting for them. We are not just talking about inclusion, we are funding it, staffing it, and tracking it,” the governor affirmed.
Radda, this month, launched the Katsina State Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools, a comprehensive framework designed to protect students and teachers from insecurity, bullying, and gender-based violence across all schools in the state.
Radda called on parents, teachers, community leaders, and civil society to join hands in creating environments where every Nigerian child is safe, educated, included, and celebrated not just on Children’s Day, but every day of the year.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, called on parents, educators, and leaders to build a more caring and supportive society where no child is left behind.
In an address commemorating the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, Oborevwori, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, stressed that every child, regardless of gender, background, or physical ability, deserved an equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
The governor said, “Children’s Day is a time to honour and appreciate our children, who are the pride, hope, and future of our dear state and nation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child’, reminds us that every child matters and deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed, regardless of gender, background, or physical ability; no child should ever feel neglected, rejected, or left behind.”
He stated that all members of society had a responsibility to create a caring and supportive society where every child can thrive.
“We should continue to show love, understanding, and encouragement to children living with disabilities and special needs, knowing that every child has unique gifts and talents.
“I commend the You Matter Charity Foundation, led by Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for its advocacy and support for children with autism and other special needs.
“The remarkable achievement of 15-year-old Master Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, who set a Guinness World Record for painting the largest art canvas in the world to raise awareness for autism, is a powerful reminder that disability is never incapacity. His story shows that with love, support, and opportunity, every child can achieve greatness,” he added.
He encouraged children to remain focused on their education, respect their parents and teachers, believe in themselves, and continue to work hard towards their dreams.
“Always remember that you have the right to education, healthcare, protection, and equal opportunity to succeed in life.
“As a government, we will continue, through our MORE Agenda, to invest in education, healthcare, security, and programmes that promote the welfare and development of every child in Delta State,” he assured the children.
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, restated the state’s commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, gave the assurance during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration and Governor’s Cup finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Addressing pupils, students, teachers, parents, school administrators, sports officials, and guests at the event, the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.
He noted that the annual celebration provided an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.
Okpebholo emphasised the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children, both in schools and communities.
He stated that bullying in all forms, physical, verbal, emotional, or online, had no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.
According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the state.
The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.
He also called for collective efforts towards raising a generation built on peace, unity, discipline, tolerance, and excellence.
Highlighting the significance of the Governor’s Cup finale and other sporting activities held as part of the celebration, the governor noted that sports remained an important tool for youth development, leadership, discipline, teamwork, and social integration.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, vowed that his administration will continue to invest in Abia children and build a prosperous future for the state.
Delivering his speech titled, “A Responsibility to Dream,” to commemorate this year’s Children’s Day in Umuahia on Wednesday, Otti noted, “Children remain the most valuable resource of society and the driving force behind my administration’s policies and programmes.
“My administration has remained focused on creating opportunities and building systems that would enable children to realise their full potential.”
According to him, the state has consistently allocated 20 per cent of its annual budget to the education sector and assumed full responsibility for basic public school education, including the recruitment of over 5,000 teachers to improve the quality of learning across schools.
Every initiative of his government over the past three years, he said, had been designed with future generations in mind.
He added, “In Abia, education is our biggest industry and vehicle to a prosperous future.
“No price is too steep to pay because the children we have here are our greatest assets. Everything we have done in the last three years, every investment, every initiative, is connected to the beautiful future we envision for our children and grandchildren.
“We are investing generously in education because of the significant role it will play in shaping the future you shall inherit.”
The governor, however, urged children to remain disciplined, hardworking and focused, while encouraging teachers and parents to continue to play active roles in shaping responsible citizens.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, said the celebration was not merely for entertainment but a reminder of the collective responsibility towards children.
Also, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, described Abia as fortunate to have leadership that prioritises children’s development, noting that reforms in the education sector were positioning students to compete globally.
Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reiterated the state’s commitment to reducing the rate of child labour and other harmful practices against children.
Speaking during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held in Akure, on Wednesday, he called on the stakeholders to make an effort to release the students and teachers in captivities of bandits in some parts of the country.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the governor said the state remained committed to policies and programmes that promote the welfare, education and protection of children from child Labour.
According to him, the celebration is beyond a ceremonial gathering, describing it as “a day of reflection, renewed commitment and collective responsibility toward the welfare, protection, education and development of every child in Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
He noted that the state government had sustained free education policies in public primary and secondary schools to ensure that no child was denied access to education because of financial constraints.
“For the past years, we have been able to pay for the secondary school students’ WAEC and NABTEB fees. This is part of our EASE agenda.
“Our administration has recently recruited over 2,000 teachers into public schools across the state to improve learning outcomes and bridge manpower shortages,” he noted.
He further stated that the government had continued to revitalise educational infrastructure through classroom renovations, provision of instructional materials and supply of furniture and learning equipment.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, said the government was making deliberate efforts to reduce the statistics of child labour, abuse, trafficking and out-of-school children in the state.
“We are working hard to ensure that our children are protected from child labour and other harmful practices. Most communities face challenges such as child abuse, trafficking, bullying, child labour, out-of-school children, violence and neglect, but in Ondo State, we are doing everything possible to reduce these challenges,” she added.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, in a Children’s Day message, declared that no child in the state should be limited by poverty, location, or circumstance.
He used his personal life story as a symbol of hope for children growing up in remote communities.
He said his journey from a modest background in Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area, to becoming a leading figure in public service and politics proves that every child in Osun State deserves the opportunity to dream big and succeed.
Oyebamiji further said that if elected governor on August 15, his administration would prioritise the welfare, education, healthcare, and security of children through what he described as a “people-focused implementation” of his PROSPERITY Agenda.
According to him, children in rural communities must enjoy the same opportunities available to those living in urban centres. “I am a living testimony that greatness is not determined by where a child is born.
“I grew up in a remote community in Ikire with limited opportunities, yet through hard work, quality education, and the grace of God, I was able to break barriers and fulfil my dreams. Every child in Osun State deserves that same opportunity,” he said.
The APC candidate lamented what he described as the gradual collapse of educational standards and child welfare policies under Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration, accusing the current government of abandoning landmark education reforms initiated by previous APC administrations.
He recalled that the previous APC administrations transformed the education sector through massive infrastructural development, modern school facilities, and policies that attracted national attention.
“Osun State once became a reference point in public education across Nigeria.
“We gave children hope and dignity. It is, however, painful today to note that policies that improved learning conditions under the APC administrations have been scrapped without alternatives. Our children deserve better,” he said.
Oyebamiji particularly condemned the cancellation of the school feeding programme introduced under previous APC governments, saying the initiative significantly improved school enrolment, attendance, and learning outcomes among children from low-income families.
“The school feeding programme was more than just food,” he said, adding that, “It was a support for thousands of children from struggling homes. It encouraged many parents to send their children back to school and helped pupils learn in a healthier and more conducive environment.
“Unfortunately, shortly after assuming office, the current administration scrapped the programme because it clearly does not share our passion and commitment to educational development.”
The APC governorship hopeful pledged to restore the programme upon assumption of office immediately.
Oyebamiji further promised a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s public education sector, saying his administration would rebuild abandoned school infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers, improve learning materials, and deploy technology-driven education policies across all local government areas.
Speaking on healthcare, particularly for children, the APC candidate described the condition of many primary healthcare centres across the state as “horrible and unacceptable,” promising urgent intervention to improve maternal and child healthcare services.
He also vowed to strengthen school security and protect children and teachers from growing insecurity and fears of kidnapping, saying, “No parent should live in fear while sending their children to school.”
He also noted that “We will work with security agencies, local communities, and technology-based surveillance systems to secure our schools and ensure that teachers and pupils are safe.”
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