President Bola Tinubu has unveiled his administration’s comprehensive plan to safeguard Nigerian children from bullying, violence, and neglect, while also addressing food insecurity.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing security concerns across the nation.
In commemoration of 2025 Children’s Day on Tuesday, President Tinubu launched the “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign.
This initiative aims to empower every Nigerian to actively participate in child protection efforts.
He said: “My dear children, the pride and future of our great nation, I join you to celebrate the 2025 National Children’s Day with immense pride and profound joy. On this special day, let me reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and protecting you as Nigeria’s future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
“Across every school, community, and home in Nigeria today, you are the most precious part of our national fabric, the heartbeat of our nation’s future, and the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.
” I therefore reaffirm today our constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment to safeguard every Nigerian child, protect his rights, and nurture his dreams.
”This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” could not have been more timely as it speaks directly to the culture we are building. A culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities. Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.
“Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly. In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.
”My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.”
The President also said: “Our children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but on community vigilance. This is why I am launching a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign today, encouraging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.
”To our beloved children: you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”
Tinubu also revealed that his administration had introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures.
He said, “We have introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures.
“We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training. Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background.”
Tinubu also said the administration’s Nutrition 774 programme and School Feeding Scheme was aimed at ensuring that ” no child in Nigeria goes hungry.”
“The Nutrition 774 programme and our School Feeding Scheme, we work assiduously to improve child health and cognitive development. The Nutrition 774 project aims to ensure no child in Nigeria goes hungry.
“Through this project, we are reaching every community, guaranteeing that children receive the necessary nutrition to thrive in their academic pursuits, creative endeavours, and overall health. A well-nourished child is well-equipped and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
“To institutionalize our commitment, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has recently established a dedicated Department of Nutrition to strengthen policy coherence, programme delivery, and coordination around child and maternal nutrition,” he said.
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