By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Federal Government has officially unveiled activities for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, declaring a renewed national commitment to child protection, inclusion, family strengthening and social development under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

At a joint ministerial press briefing held Friday at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced the official theme for the 2026 Children’s Day celebration as “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

The Minister described Nigerian children as “the clearest expression of tomorrow,” stressing that children must no longer be viewed merely as beneficiaries of government policies but as active participants in national transformation and sustainable development.

She said the Tinubu administration’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Families and Social Development” underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the family as the foundation for child protection, emotional security, moral upbringing and national development.

According to the Minister, National Children’s Day is far beyond a ceremonial observance, noting that it remains a national moment for reflection, accountability and renewed commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerian children.

“With children constituting over 45 per cent of Nigeria’s population, child development and protection cannot be treated as a sectoral issue alone. It is central to national development, social stability, economic growth and sustainable nation-building,” she said.

Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the Federal Government had intensified efforts to strengthen implementation of the Child Rights Act through policy reforms, institutional strengthening, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

She revealed that a high-level inter-ministerial committee had already been inaugurated to review the Child Rights Act, 2003, in line with emerging realities, including digital-age threats confronting children.

The Minister also highlighted the ongoing review of Nigeria’s combined periodic report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, alongside the review of the National Child Policy and related frameworks.

One of the flagship child protection interventions announced at the briefing was the implementation of the national campaign: “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something.”
Originally launched during the 2025 National Children’s Day celebration by President Tinubu, the campaign seeks to mobilise communities and institutions against child abuse, violence, exploitation and neglect.

The Minister further disclosed that President Tinubu had approved Universal Child Benefits as a social safety net targeting vulnerable Nigerian children.

She added that the Ministry was aggressively implementing the “Future Now Initiative,” a programme designed to equip children with digital literacy, STEM education, artificial intelligence awareness and innovation skills needed in a rapidly evolving global economy.

According to her, the initiative is also addressing online exploitation, technology access gaps and digital exclusion among vulnerable children through strategic partnerships with development agencies and private sector stakeholders.

The Minister announced that the Ministry had equally validated Nigeria’s first National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Policy, aimed at reducing period poverty, improving school attendance among adolescent girls and promoting dignity and reproductive health awareness.

She praised the media for its role in promoting child rights advocacy and called for sustained collaboration among parents, schools, religious leaders, traditional institutions, development partners and civil society groups.

The Minister unveiled a lineup of activities for the celebration, including: Children and Adolescent Girls Interactive Session and “One-Day Honourable Minister” Programme; National Caregivers/Parents-Teachers Summit; Boy-Child Novelty Football Match; Annual Children’s Day Party hosted by the First Lady; National Essay Competition across the 36 states and the FCT; FCT Science Exhibition and Competition; National Rally and March Past; Annual Children’s Carnival; Commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, described Nigerian children as the focal point of the celebration and urged stakeholders to deepen collaboration in advancing child welfare and protection.

She commended development partners and organisations including UNICEF, Girl Effect Nigeria, Save the Children International, SOS Children’s Villages and Etiquette Africa for supporting the Ministry’s efforts.

Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ahmad Muhammad Ozi, Director of Family Health, reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to advancing child health and expanding access to essential healthcare services.

He said the 2026 theme speaks directly to the need for a future where every Nigerian child has equal access to healthcare, education and opportunities in a safe and supportive environment.
Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria said the theme serves as a reminder that every child, regardless of gender, ability or background, deserves the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Similarly, Joshua Anar, Director of Programme Operations at Save the Children Initiative, stressed the importance of creating an inclusive Nigeria where every child has equal opportunity to survive, learn, participate and remain protected.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Mona Aika, Acting Chief Child Protection Officer, said Children’s Day should not merely be ceremonial but a moment of accountability for government and society to ensure children are protected, educated, healthy and safe both online and offline.

She particularly emphasised the urgent need to protect adolescent girls from violence and harmful practices while ensuring they are heard and empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Day -One event ended with a collective call for stronger national action to build a Nigeria where every child is protected, included, educated and empowered to realise their full potential.