The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, has issued a strong call to action for parents, governments, and institutions to prioritize the total wellbeing of Nigerian children. Speaking at the 2025 National Children’s Day celebration, she urged all Nigerians to unite in building a bullying-free generation, emphasizing that the safety, dignity, and development of every child must become a national priority.
The event, held at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, educators, media, and schoolchildren under the theme: “Speak Up, Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
In her keynote address, the Minister described the day as a time for “reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to protect the rights and welfare of every Nigerian child.” She cited disturbing statistics and tragic incidents to highlight the growing threat of bullying—whether physical, emotional, cyber, or institutional—declaring it a national emergency with grave consequences for children's mental health and development.
“Bullying is not just a school issue; it is a societal problem that breeds fear, isolation, anxiety, and even suicide. We must end it,” she asserted.
The Minister outlined key national and international initiatives being pursued by Nigeria, including:
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Implementation of the National Policy on Anti-Bullying
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Enforcement of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools
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Fulfillment of Nigeria’s pledge at the First Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children (Colombia, Nov. 2024)
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Follow-up actions from the Pathfinder African Regional Meeting (Abuja, May 2025)
New initiatives announced include:
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Roll-out of National Guidelines on Alternative Care
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Review of the 2003 Child Rights Act and the 2008 National Child Policy
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Development of a National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene
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Establishment of a Child Protection Knowledge Hub and Service Structure
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Advocacy for enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies
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Strengthening of the Nigerian Children’s Parliament to amplify children’s voices
“To our children—your voice matters. Speak up. Stand tall. Never be afraid to ask for help,” the Minister encouraged.
She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their compassion and leadership, and acknowledged the support of state governors, lawmakers, civil society, private sector partners, and the media.
In a complementary message at the rally and march-past, Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, praised the enthusiastic participation of school children, educators, and families. She emphasized that child protection must extend beyond commemorative events.
“Building a bullying-free generation must continue through the values we inculcate at home, in schools, and within our communities,” she said.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, she reminded attendees:
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
The 2025 Children’s Day celebration continues with a special showcase at the State House Banquet Hall and will culminate with activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2025.
ADEOLA KUNLE
