By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has declared that every Nigerian child has a vital role to play in building the nation, urging children across the country to embrace responsibility, inclusivity and patriotism.

Speaking during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister said the coincidence of Children’s Day and Eid celebrations carried a special significance that Nigerians should not overlook.

“There’s a reason why God knows why Eid and Children’s Day is happening on the same day and we must not take that for granted,” she said.

Addressing children at the event, the Minister emphasized that nation-building is a collective responsibility that includes young Nigerians.

“In building this nation, everybody has their role, even children have their role,” she stated.

“They have the responsibility to be good children, to be law-abiding, to be forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project.”

The Minister assured Nigerian children that they remain valued and cherished by the government and society.

“Today we celebrate you so that tomorrow you can celebrate Nigeria and celebrate yourselves,” she said. “The Nigerian child is valued. We adore you, we are cheering for you because the future is bright.”

She highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving child welfare, including the strengthening of legal protections and the creation of enabling platforms for children to compete globally in education, sports, technology and the creative industry.

According to her, the 2026 Children’s Day activities focused on inclusivity under the theme of ensuring that “no child is left behind.” She noted that the celebrations included a caregivers’ forum centered on Nigeria’s first National Care Policy, sporting events, cultural activities and a special reception hosted for 1,000 children at the Presidential Villa by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

The Minister said children from diverse backgrounds, including pupils from schools for the deaf and blind, participated fully in the celebrations. “It was a showcase of excellence and the future of the Nigerian child,” she said.

Despite heavy rainfall during the march-past parade, the Minister praised the resilience of participants and described the event as a revival of a long-standing national tradition.

“The rain wanted to stop us, but we stormed the weather,” she remarked.

She further encouraged boys and girls to see each other as partners in progress, calling for the promotion of positive masculinity and equal opportunities from the classroom level. “Inclusivity starts from now,” she said.

“Let the boys get used to having the girls around and let the girls get used to being partners in progress and prosperity with the boys.”

The Minister also commended parents, teachers and organizers for supporting the celebration and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to family and social development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She disclosed that the government plans to make future Children’s Day celebrations even bigger, with greater emphasis on measurable achievements recorded for Nigerian children.

Concluding her address, the Minister wished children across the country a happy celebration and expressed optimism about their future.

“Nigerian children are our ambassadors. They are the future, but the future is now,” she said. “Happy Eid and Happy Children’s Day 2026.”