First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has charged Nigerian Children to always aim high, not letting the environment they find themselves define their limit.
She spoke at the celebration of the 2026 National Children’s Day at the State House, Abuja.
Explaining why the celebration is coming earlier than May 27 when it is usually celebrated, Senator Oluremi Tinubu said it was because the day coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir festival for 2026.
“Celebrating them ahead of the annual children’s day on 27th May, which coincides with Sallah celebration this year, shows 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 given the opportunity to thrive.”
Speaking on the theme for this year’s celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child”, the First Lady emphasized that every Nigerian Child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment where 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, irrespective of age must remain at the center of our national development.
“Beloved children, I want you to know that Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working hard to ensure a better and brighter future for you.
“Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President is investing in your education, health, child nutrition, child’s right and protection. He is removing barriers to education for the girl child, expanding vocational and STEM opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators at the event.
“Your thoughtful ideas, and creativity demonstrate that the future of Nigeria is bright and full of promise. Remain focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect, and love for country.”
Top winners received N1 million, second-place got N500,000 and third-place winners were awarded N250,000. Laptops and tablets were also distributed to all children at the event to support the students’ learning and digital skills.
Earlier in her remarks, the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Imaan Suleiman said with the various reforms the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undertaking especially in areas relating to children and women, it lays credence to the fact that he takes the care and well-being of children very seriously.
“The ongoing review of the Child Rights Act (2003), already domesticated across all 36 States is critical at this time. It seeks to strengthen enforcement, close 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 stronger and more prosperous future”.
Country Representative of UNICEF, Ms Wafaa Abdulatef in her goodwill message praised Nigeria children’s creativity and urged adults to listen beyond the single day of observance.
“Let us listen to the children. Not only during this Children’s Day, but also every day”.
Acting Country Director of the World Bank Mathew Verghis, described children as the country’s largest asset and urged continued investment in early life to deliver long-term results.
The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Authority, Dr Muyi Aina said the government is reinforcing child nutrition and public health programmes, pledging to fully commit to every child to having access to the very importan health services.
The highlights of the National Childrens Day celebration include a Science and Tech,. Exhibition which showcased some rare innovations and ideas by students and pupils of public schools.
Also the Early Childhood Development interaction with the First Lady was also undertaken.
