By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protect and empower every Nigerian child, describing children as “the clearest expression of tomorrow for any nation.”
Speaking during a press briefing to herald activities for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, at the weekend, the minister said children remain symbols of national continuity, resilience and aspiration, stressing that deliberate investments in their welfare are critical to Nigeria’s future.
According to the minister, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration seeks to restore that sense of pride and opportunity for Nigerian children through policies and interventions that prioritise their welfare and development.
She described the Children’s Day celebration as one of Nigeria’s most important national observances, dedicated to promoting the survival, protection, development, participation, and well-being of every Nigerian child.
“With children constituting over 40 percent of Nigeria’s population, child development and protection cannot be treated as a sectoral issue alone. It is central to national development, social stability, economic growth, and sustainable nation-building,” she stated.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Nigeria’s commitment to child welfare is anchored on international and regional frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
She disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had declared 2026 as the “Year of Families and Social Development,” describing family as the foundational institution for the protection, moral upbringing, and emotional development of every child.
Also, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protect and empower Nigerian children through inclusive healthcare policies and social welfare interventions.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ahmed Ozi, said the health ministry considered child protection and development a critical national priority and remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality healthcare and opportunities for healthy growth.
Speaking on the 2026 Children’s Day theme, ‘Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,’ Pate said the theme reflects the urgent need to build a future where inclusion becomes a reality and every child enjoys equal access to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.
In the same vein, the Director of Programme and Operation at Save the Children, Joshua Anar said the organisation is proud to stand in solidarity with children and stakeholders advocating for improved child welfare in Nigeria.
According to him, the celebration serves not only as a moment to honour children, but also as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build an inclusive society where every child can thrive regardless of gender, disability, social background or geographical location.
Anar reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to advance child rights through programmes focused on survival, education, protection and meaningful participation of children in decision-making processes affecting their lives.
He also highlighted the organisation’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in supporting platforms such as the National Children’s Parliament and interactive sessions involving children and government officials.
