- AWLA Nigeria advocates a society where every child grows in safety, dignity, and joy
- FIDA Nigeria reaffirms unwavering commitment to promotion and protection of children’s rights
President Bola Tinubu has condemned child bullying and is promising to create a better and more secure environment for children in the country.
This was the crux of Tinubu’s message on the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
In a post made on the Instagram page of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA Nigeria), Caroline Ibharuneafe, President of AWLA Nigeria restated the association’s commitment to protecting the rights of children, “empowering their future, and creating a society where every child grows in safety, dignity, and joy.”
“Let us continue to champion a world free from violence, discrimination, and injustice—where children, especially the girl-child, can rise, lead, and thrive. Every child matters. Every dream deserves a chance. Together, let’s build a future they can believe in.” she said.
Also, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the promotion and protection of the rights of children, assuring that it will “continue to advocate for laws, policies, and practices that shield children from abuse, violence, neglect, and exploitation.”
The Chairperson of FIDA Nigeria Abuja branch, Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko, in a statement issued in commemoration of the day, said: “We also recognize the importance of providing access to quality education, healthcare, and a supportive environment that allows every child to reach their full potential.
“We call on all stakeholders, government, civil society, parents, guardians, and community leaders, to prioritize the welfare of our children and ensure that their rights are upheld at all times, as enshrined in the Child Rights Act 2003. Every child deserves to be heard, respected, and valued.”
Likewise, in a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu said this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” serves as a fitting reminder of the need to foster a culture where every child is respected and heard.
“A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities.
“Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” the president said.
“Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”
According to President Tinubu, the Federal Government and states in the country are taking measures to protect children, whom he described “as the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership”.
He listed these efforts to include the “full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched.
“The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.
“I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children. However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.”
He called on Nigerians, especially stakeholders, to embed child rights in their budgets, plans, and policies.
“I commend states taking bold steps for our children’s welfare and urge those yet to act: now is the time. Our children are not just statistics—they are the heart of our nation,” President Tinubu said. “Let today mark a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.”
