First Lady Charges Children to Aim Higher on National Children’s Day – THIS UPDATE

… present cash prizes and laptops at the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration

The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has charged Nigerian children to always aim high, not letting the environment they find themselves in define their limits.

He was speaking at the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration at the State House, Abuja.

Explaining why the celebration will happen before May 27 when it is usually celebrated, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said this is because the day coincides with Eid El Kaabir for 2026.

“Celebrating them before the annual Children’s Day on May 27, which this year coincides with the celebration of Sallah, demonstrates the importance we place on the children of this nation.”

“Today is not only a celebration of our children, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a nation where every child is valued, protected, educated and has the opportunity to thrive.”

Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child”, the First Lady highlighted that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment in which they can reach their full potential.

“It calls on us to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion or social status.”

“Inclusion, regardless of age, must remain at the heart of our national development.”

“Dear children, I want you to know that Mr. President, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working hard to ensure you have a better and brighter future. Through the Agenda of Renewed Hope, Mr. President is investing in your education, health, child nutrition, children’s rights and protection. He is removing barriers to education for girls, expanding vocational and STEM opportunities and ensuring that no child is left behind.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu congratulated the winners of the National Essay Competition and the young innovators at the event.

“Your thoughtful ideas and creativity demonstrate that Nigeria’s future is bright and full of promise. Stay focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect and love for country.”

The top winners received N1 million, the second runner-up received N500,000 and the third runners-up received N250,000. Laptops and tablets were also distributed to all children at the event to support students’ digital learning and skills

Earlier in her speech, the Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, said that with the various reforms that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is undertaking, especially in the areas relating to children and women, confirms the fact that he takes the care and well-being of children very seriously.

“The ongoing review of the Child Rights Act (2003), already adopted in all 36 States, is critical at this time. It seeks to strengthen enforcement, address emerging protection gaps and align Nigeria’s child protection framework with evolving digital realities and global best practices. Our vision remains clear: to raise a generation of Nigerian children who are safe, confident, disciplined, morally grounded, innovative and globally competitive; ready to lead Nigeria into a future stronger and more prosperous.”

UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Abdulatef, in her goodwill message, praised the creativity of Nigerian children and urged adults to listen beyond the single day of observance.

“We listen to children. Not only on this Children’s Day, but every day.”

Mathew Verghis, acting country director of the World Bank, described children as the country’s most important resource and decided to continue investing in the early years of life for long-term results.

Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Authority, Dr Muyi Aina, said the Government is strengthening child nutrition and public health programmes, pledging to fully commit to ensuring that every child has access to very important health services.

Highlights of the National Children’s Day celebration included science and technology. It shows that it featured some rare innovations and ideas from public school students and alumni.

Interaction on early childhood development with the First Lady was also undertaken.

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