In a powerful and impassioned address marking the 2025 National Children’s Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned child bullying in Nigeria, declaring it an unacceptable barrier to the well-being and development of the nation’s youth. Speaking on Tuesday, the President reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to creating a safer, more nurturing environment for Nigerian children, whom he described as “the pride and future of our great nation.” The statement, aligning with this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” underscores a renewed national focus on tackling bullying, violence, and neglect in schools and communities across Nigeria.
The President’s message comes in the wake of growing concerns about the prevalence of bullying in Nigerian schools, with studies estimating that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. “This is unacceptable,” Tinubu stated in a personally signed statement. “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.” He emphasized that bullying, whether in physical spaces or online, has no place in modern Nigeria, citing global statistics that more than one in three children worldwide face bullying regularly.
Tinubu’s address was both a call to action and a celebration of Nigeria’s children, whom he described as “the heartbeat of our nation’s future, the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.” He reaffirmed the government’s constitutional and moral duty to safeguard every child’s rights and nurture their dreams, announcing a series of bold initiatives aimed at creating a bullying-free generation. Among these is the nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, launched today to encourage community vigilance and empower every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.
The President outlined several key measures under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda to address bullying and enhance child welfare. The National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), recently launched, provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims through robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination. Additionally, the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) is being scaled up to enable real-time tracking and response to abuse cases. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is also strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.
To address cyberbullying, Tinubu highlighted the enforcement of the Cybercrime Act, ensuring protection for children in digital spaces. The administration has also introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, alongside Guidelines for School Administrators, to foster safe learning environments. Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding are being embedded into teacher training programs, while the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children is creating inclusive pathways for all children to thrive, regardless of their background.
Tinubu also noted that all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, reflecting a collective resolve to protect children’s welfare. However, he stressed that legal frameworks alone are insufficient, calling for a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens take ownership. “Our children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance,” he said, urging stakeholders to embed child rights in budgets, plans, and policies.
In a direct message to Nigeria’s children, the President said, “You matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.” This heartfelt appeal was echoed by First Lady Remi Tinubu, who called on Nigerians to promote kindness, empathy, and leadership by example, describing bullying as a threat to children’s emotional and academic well-being.
The President also addressed broader child welfare concerns, including food insecurity, through initiatives like the Nutrition 774 programme and the School Feeding Scheme, ensuring “no child in Nigeria goes hungry.” A national Child Wellbeing Index is being finalized to measure progress and hold authorities accountable, while a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) is underway to strengthen protections and close implementation gaps.
Public reactions on X reflect strong support for Tinubu’s initiatives, with users praising his focus on child protection. One post stated, “Tinubu’s vow to end bullying is a game-changer. Our kids deserve safe schools!” Another user noted, “The ‘See Something, Say Something, Do Something’ campaign could transform how we protect our children.” These sentiments highlight the public’s hope that these measures will address the systemic issues fueling bullying in Nigeria.
Despite the ambitious plans, challenges remain. Implementing these policies across Nigeria’s diverse and resource-constrained educational system will require significant coordination and funding. Rural schools, in particular, may face difficulties due to limited access to trained counselors and infrastructure. Moreover, cultural attitudes that sometimes normalize bullying as “toughening up” children must be addressed through sustained advocacy. Tinubu acknowledged these hurdles, urging states yet to fully act on child welfare to join the movement, stating, “Our children are not just statistics—they are the heart of our nation.”
As Nigeria commemorates Children’s Day 2025, President Tinubu’s message resonates as a clarion call for collective action. “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,” he concluded, ending with a heartfelt wish: “May your laughter echo across this land as a symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”
This bold commitment positions Nigeria to lead the charge in creating a bullying-free generation, with the potential to transform the lives of millions of children.
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