First Lady Tinubu urged Nigerian children to dream beyond their circumstances as government strengthens child protection and education policies.
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian children not to allow their environment or present realities limit their dreams and aspirations.
She encouraged them to set higher goals and remain focused on building brighter futures for themselves and the country.
According to her, every Nigerian child possesses enormous potential capable of transforming the nation, stressing that background or difficult circumstances should never determine the heights children aspire to attain.
Speaking at this year’s Children’s Day celebration organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment to thrive.
“My charge to you today is that you should aim higher; do not allow the environment to define your limit,” she told the children.
“To all our dear children across the nation, I urge you to remain focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect and love for country. Never allow your circumstances to limit your dreams. Your future begins with the choices you make today,” she added.
The First Lady described children as the “heartbeat of the nation and its future,” noting that their dreams, talents and creativity remain critical to Nigeria’s long-term development.
She stressed the need for an inclusive society where no child is denied opportunities on account of gender, religion, ethnicity, social status or background.
“Children are the heartbeat of our nation and future. The dreams they carry, the ideas they share and the talents they possess have the power to transform Nigeria for generations to come.
“That is why inclusion, irrespective of age, must remain at the centre of our national development.
“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment where they can reach their full potential,” she stated.
Mrs Tinubu assured that the Federal Government would continue strengthening policies and programmes aimed at protecting children’s rights and expanding opportunities for them to succeed.
She linked ongoing efforts to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying government was investing heavily in education, child health, nutrition, protection, vocational training and STEM education.
The First Lady also said barriers affecting access to education, especially for the girl-child, were being addressed.
She congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition, describing their achievements as proof that Nigeria’s future remains bright.
According to her, the children’s creativity and ideas demonstrated what could be achieved when young people are adequately supported and empowered.
Mrs Tinubu also commended parents, teachers and caregivers for their dedication to child development, describing their sacrifices as vital in shaping future leaders and innovators.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the ministry was implementing a coordinated national framework under the Renewed Hope Social Intervention 774 programme to improve the wellbeing of women and children across the country.
She disclosed that the government was reviewing and updating key child protection frameworks, including the National Child Policy of 2009, to reflect current realities.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also announced plans by the Federal Government to strengthen and modernise child adoption policies and other protection instruments in line with international standards.
According to her, the reforms are designed to address digital exploitation, trafficking risks, changing family structures and the complexities associated with cross-border adoption.
She added that the updated framework would ensure stronger safeguards, due process and a child-centred justice system aligned with global best practices.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s child population of over 100 million places a major responsibility on government and stakeholders to deliberately invest in children’s education, protection, participation and development.
