Every year, on 27 May, Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate Children’s Day, a day set aside not only to honour the young ones in our society but to reflect on the progress made in safeguarding their rights and well-being. As colourful parades, school performances, and public declarations filled the air this year, the true essence of the day lies far deeper than the festivities suggest.
Children’s Day should serve as a moment of national introspection. It is a time to ask honest questions: Are Nigerian children safer today than they were a year ago? Have we improved their access to quality education, healthcare, and protection from abuse? Are we investing enough in nurturing the potential of every child, regardless of their background, ability, or location?
This year’s theme, “Stand Up: Building a Bullying Free Generation,” resonates strongly in a world where children face increasing exposure to physical, emotional, and digital harm. In many schools across the country, bullying remains a silent epidemic. It is crucial that educators, parents and community leaders work together to foster safer learning environments, where respect, empathy and inclusiveness are taught as core values.
Yet the challenges are much broader. Millions of Nigerian children still roam the streets, out of school, exposed to violence, exploitation, and child labour. The nation cannot afford to turn a blind eye to their plight. Government efforts to implement the Child Rights Act must be matched by political will, adequate funding and community engagement.
At the same time, Children’s Day is also a moment to celebrate resilience and brilliance. Stories such as that of 16-year-old Kanyechukwu Tagbo-Okeke, an autistic artist who recently entered the Guinness World Records, remind us of the potential that exists within every Nigerian child if only given the right opportunities and support.
The role of families in shaping the future of our children cannot be overstated. But it is also the duty of society at large to ensure that children grow up in environments that are safe, enabling, and full of promise. As the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, rightly noted in her Children’s Day message, a nation that truly values its children must teach them compassion, protect their rights, and invest in their dreams.
The road ahead is long, but not without hope. Let this Children’s Day be more than a ceremonial observance. Let it be a call to action a renewed commitment by government, civil society, families and individuals to build a Nigeria where every child, regardless of circumstance, can thrive.
Only then will Children’s Day be worthy of the joy it symbolises.
