No Nigerian Child Shall Be Left Behind – President Tinubu Vows on Children's Day, Launches Anti-Bullying Campaign

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President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerian children that none of them would be left behind in the development and growth of country.

President Tinubu, who spoke in a message to the children on Children’s Day, May 27, 2025, also said that the government would protect them and nurture their dreams.

According to him, “I stand before you not just as your President, but as a father committed to securing your future. You are the living promise of our great nation – the innovators who will shape tomorrow, the leaders who will sustain our democracy, and the creative minds that will put Nigeria on the global map of excellence.”

He said: “This year’s theme, *
“Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” strikes at the heart of our Renewed Hope Agenda. We are building a Nigeria where no child learns in fear, grows under oppression, or has their dreams stifled by violence – whether in classrooms, communities, or online spaces.

“The statistics are alarming: 65% of Nigerian children have faced bullying in various forms. This ends now. Through our newly launched National Plan to End Violence Against Children (2024-2030), we’re deploying legal, educational, and community-based strategies to create safe spaces for every child.”

He said government has taken measures to strengthen the laws, upgrade the Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons Act with stiffer penalties for offenders, actively enforce the Cybercrime Act to combat online bullying and exploitation, implement a new National Policy on Violence-Free Schools with trained child protection officers, expand our School Feeding Programme and Nutrition 774 initiative to combat childhood hunger.

“Today, I launch the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign – a nationwide call for every Nigerian to become a guardian of our children’s safety. From markets to worship centers, from classrooms to playgrounds, we must create concentric circles of protection around every child.

“To our remarkable children: Your voice is your power. When threatened, speak up without fear. When hurt, reach out confidently. My administration has established multiple channels including toll-free lines and school-based reporting systems to ensure your protection.

“To parents, teachers, and community leaders: The government is investing in 34 new Mother-Child Hospitals and alternative care systems, but the first line of defense remains in our homes and communities. Let’s collectively reject harmful traditions that endanger children.

“As we commemorate this day, I announce the creation of a Presidential Child Development Council to coordinate all child welfare initiatives across ministries. Additionally, we’re introducing a Child Wellbeing Index to transparently track our progress in safeguarding your future,” he said.

President Tinubu said, “My dear children, as you enjoy today’s celebrations, remember this: In the Nigeria we’re building together, your dreams are valid, your safety non-negotiable, and your potential limitless.

“May this Children’s Day mark the beginning of a new era where every Nigerian child grows in dignity, achieves their God-given potential, and becomes proud ambassadors of our Renewed Hope.”