The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and empowering Nigerian children as preparations begin for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this during a press briefing in Abuja to unveil activities lined up for the celebration.
The Minister said the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child is protected, educated and given equal opportunities to thrive irrespective of gender, disability, religion, ethnicity or socio-economic background.
She announced that the theme for the 2026 Children’s Day celebration is “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” describing it as a reflection of the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that no child is left behind.
The Minister said the 2026 Children’s Day celebration would focus on ensuring that no Nigerian child is left behind regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or socio-economic background.
She noted that children account for over 45 per cent of Nigeria’s population, stressing that investment in child development and protection remains critical to national development, social stability and economic growth.
According to her, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving the well-being of children across the country.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Families and Social Development” by President Tinubu reinforces the importance of families as the foundation for child upbringing, moral development and social stability.
She explained that the declaration coincides with the global observance of the International Day of Families and reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening family systems, social welfare and human capital development.
“The family remains the child’s first school, first place of identity and first environment of emotional security,” she said.
Also, the Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Boladale Akin-Kolapo, described investment in children and young people, especially adolescent girls, as one of the most strategic investments for Nigeria’s future.
She said the organisation remains committed to expanding access to health information, education, life skills and opportunities that empower young people to realise their full potential.
According to her, when children are protected, educated and empowered, communities become stronger and nations prosper, adding that inclusion must become a lived reality for every Nigerian child irrespective of background, gender or ability.
Akin-Kolapo further stated that Girl Effect Nigeria would continue partnering with government and stakeholders to strengthen child protection systems, close information gaps and create safe platforms where young people can confidently express themselves and contribute to national development.
Earlier in his welcome address, the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Esuabana Nko Asanye commended Girl Effect and other sponsors for celebrating Nigerian children.
“I will not conclude these welcome remarks without extending a warm welcome to once again to our Development Partners and Sponsors, MDAs and CSOs such as Girl Effect, UNICEF, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages and Etiquette Africa who supported and collaborated with the Ministry in this National assignment.
“We reaffirm our collective resolve and therefore call for all hands to be on deck for the sake of our children.”
