Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended Nigerian children, describing them as the heartbeat of the nation, as she marked the 2025 Children’s Day with the launch of key education and welfare programmes in Abuja.
Speaking at the official launch of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning & Empowerment (AGILE) Additional Financing to States and the AGILE Games Award Ceremony, Mrs Tinubu praised the resilience and potential of Nigerian children, particularly adolescent girls, highlighting their critical role in shaping the country’s future.
The event, held at the State House on Tuesday, 27 May, was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and international partners, and featured colourful performances and the presentation of awards to outstanding students.
Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to education, the First Lady applauded the World Bank-supported AGILE programme, which focuses on reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving access to quality education for girls across Nigeria.
“Every child represented here today has demonstrated what is possible when opportunity meets support,” she said. “Whether or not you receive an award today, you are all champions.”
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She also thanked state governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders for their role in championing girls’ education and school enrolment at the grassroots level.
Mrs Tinubu used the occasion to introduce two forthcoming initiatives under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The first is an Environment Club for Secondary School Students and an Environment Society for Tertiary Institutions, aimed at promoting environmental responsibility among young Nigerians.
The second initiative, Flow with Confidence, targets adolescent girls in rural communities, providing them with a year’s supply of disposable sanitary pads to help them stay in school during their menstrual cycle.
“To our dear students, please go to school and complete your education,” she urged. “Staying in school and excelling in your studies will give you the knowledge and skills you need for a good future.”
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa described AGILE as a milestone in Nigeria’s national education agenda. He emphasised that education under the Tinubu administration is viewed not only as a human right but also as a national security priority.
“Every textbook is a brick in the foundation of peace and prosperity. Every school meal is an act of social justice. And every trained teacher is a guardian of our collective future,” he stated.
World Bank Country Director, Mr Taimur Samad, revealed that AGILE is the second-largest project supported by the institution globally. He noted that with two-thirds of Nigerian girls dropping out before completing school, the programme aims to change the narrative and support up to 50 million students.
On behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, reiterated the commitment of state governors to prioritising girl-child education and ensuring its integration into state development policies.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to winners of the AGILE competition and a touching highlight: a painting gifted to the First Lady by Awelewa, a child with special needs, symbolising hope and inclusiveness in education.
