The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD) has restated its commitment to advancing inclusion, equal opportunities and stronger protection systems for Nigerian children, irrespective of gender, disability or social background.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this in Abuja during the Annual Children’s Carnival held at Monoliza Amusement Park, Garki, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.
The event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” attracted children from schools, orphanages and special institutions, including schools for visually and hearing-impaired children.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening legal and social welfare frameworks that would enable Nigerian children to compete globally and fulfil their potential.
“The Nigerian child is valued. We adore you. We are cheering for you because the future is so bright,” she said.
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The minister explained that the week-long Children’s Day activities reflect ongoing reforms focused on child welfare, inclusion and social protection.
She revealed that government recently introduced the National Care Policy, which she described as Nigeria’s first comprehensive policy on care services aligned with international standards.
“We started with a press conference where we highlighted the theme. The theme is all about inclusivity. No child will be left behind,” she said.
According to her, children also have responsibilities in nation-building through discipline, patriotism and positive behaviour.
“Even the children have their role. They have the responsibility to be good children, to be law-abiding, forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project,” she stated.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim encouraged children to embrace gender inclusion, mutual respect and cooperation from an early age, stressing the importance of positive relationships between boys and girls.
“Inclusivity starts from now. I want every Nigerian child to see the opposite sex as a partner in progress.
“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,” she said.
The minister also applauded Nigerian children for their achievements in sports, entertainment and technology, describing them as ambassadors of the nation.
She disclosed that more than 1,000 children from orphanages, special schools and other backgrounds had earlier been hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa as part of the Children’s Day celebrations.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising social welfare and declaring 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development.”
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Esuabana Asanye, praised the successful organisation of the carnival and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to policies that promote child welfare and inclusion.
Some of the children who attended the event expressed appreciation to the government for organising activities to celebrate and support children.
Eight-year-old Zion Mantim, a Primary Four pupil, urged government to strengthen measures protecting children from violence and abuse.
“We want the government to protect children from violence and ensure every child feels safe at home, in school and in the community,” he said.
Similarly, 10-year-old Zoe Dala, a Primary Six pupil, appealed for more opportunities to help children develop their talents and realise their dreams.
“As Nigerian children, we promise to study hard and be responsible citizens, while we ask the government to continue to invest in our future and ensure our protection,” she said.
The celebration featured games, cultural displays, music, arts and crafts, chess competitions, tie-and-dye training, cake-cutting sessions, distribution of free deworming medication and gift items, among other activities.
