Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day, while also expressing concern over children and teachers still being held captive in parts of the country.
In a statement released on the occasion, the President said that although the day is meant to celebrate children, many families in Oyo and Borno states are spending the period in anguish following the abduction of their children and teachers. He assured the victims and their families that they have not been forgotten.
“As a father and your President, you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” Tinubu stated.
The President said his administration would continue working until all abducted children taken from their homes, schools, and communities are safely returned and those responsible are brought to justice.
He disclosed that he has directed all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated rescue operations for abducted children and other vulnerable citizens across the country. According to him, the operations must remain intelligence-driven and focused on the safe recovery of victims.
Tinubu also announced plans to strengthen school protection measures in high-risk areas through improved school vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid response systems, and community-based early warning mechanisms.
The President stressed that safeguarding children should not be left to the government alone, noting that parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, vigilantes, and the media all have important roles to play.
“When a community sees strange movement around a school and keeps quiet, a child is placed at risk. When warning signs are ignored, families suffer. When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu described Nigerian children as the pride of the nation and the custodians of the country’s future. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, digital skills, and safer communities to ensure every Nigerian child has the opportunity to thrive.
He also pledged support for children affected by abduction, violence, and displacement, stating that rescued children must receive proper medical care, counselling, education, and reintegration support.
