President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerian children, particularly those affected by insecurity, as the country marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the President celebrated the resilience, creativity and aspirations of Nigerian children, describing them as “the pride of our Republic” and custodians of the nation’s future.
Tinubu noted that this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” underscored the need to create equal opportunities for all children regardless of their background or circumstances.
The President, however, expressed concern over the plight of children and teachers currently in captivity in parts of Oyo and Borno states, saying their absence had cast a shadow over the celebration.
“Some Nigerian children and their teachers in Oyo and Borno should be with their families, but are being held captive by criminals,” he said. “To those children, their parents and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.”
Tinubu assured grieving families that the Federal Government would continue to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of abducted children and prosecute those responsible for such acts.
He disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and strengthen intelligence-led rescue operations across the country, with emphasis on the safe recovery of children and other vulnerable citizens.
The President also ordered the reinforcement of school protection measures in high-risk areas through improved vulnerability mapping, stronger collaboration between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems, and community-based early warning mechanisms.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, has been directed to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework to ensure schools in vulnerable communities are adequately prepared to respond to security threats.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of post-rescue support for children affected by violence, abduction and displacement, noting that government intervention must go beyond rescue operations.
“A child who returns from trauma must return to care, medical attention, counselling, education and dignity,” he stated.
The President called on parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media to work closely with security agencies in protecting children and preventing attacks on schools and communities.
He maintained that his administration remained committed to building a Nigeria where every child can learn in safety, access quality healthcare, benefit from social protection programmes and pursue their dreams without fear.
Tinubu reiterated that investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills and safer communities would remain a priority of his government, adding that childhood should not be “a privilege reserved for a few, but the right of every Nigerian child.”
The President concluded by assuring Nigerian children that their future, safety and education remained central to the government’s agenda.
