On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate Children’s Day, a national observance dedicated to honoring the rights, welfare, and dreams of Nigerian children. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Securing Our Future: Investing in Every Child.” Across the country, state governments, schools, NGOs, and advocacy groups organized parades, symposiums, and talent showcases to recognize the role of children in nation-building and to amplify calls for greater protection and opportunity for the country’s youngest citizens.
Focus on Education, Health, and Safety
As part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, governments at both federal and state levels reaffirmed commitments to improving basic education, healthcare, and child protection laws. In Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs held a National Children’s Summit, bringing together child rights advocates, policy-makers, and students to discuss access to quality education, ending child labor, and combating child trafficking.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a special broadcast, emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), enhance school feeding programs, and implement digital learning initiatives to reduce the learning gap, particularly in rural areas.
Parades, Awards, and Cultural Showcases
Colorful children’s parades were held in major cities including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. Schoolchildren marched in vibrant uniforms, participated in debates, drama, and musical presentations focused on themes of unity, peace, and civic responsibility.
Several children received awards for excellence in academics, arts, and innovation. In Lagos, a 12-year-old girl was celebrated for developing a mobile app designed to help students learn mathematics through interactive games.
Concerns Over Child Abuse and Insecurity
Despite the festive mood, civil society groups highlighted serious concerns regarding the safety and rights of children in conflict-prone areas. In the Northeast and Northwest regions, insecurity and school kidnappings have disrupted education and traumatized children. NGOs called on the government to prioritize security in school environments and to implement psychological support programs for affected children.
Graylaw’s Contribution
Legal advocacy firm Graylaw Practice LP marked the day by offering free legal aid and awareness sessions on child rights and juvenile justice. Partnering with local schools and community centers in Abuja and Lagos, Graylaw lawyers educated parents, teachers, and children on the Child Rights Act, child abuse prevention, and how to seek redress for violations. The firm emphasized the need for more proactive enforcement of laws protecting children and called for the domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states.
A Day of Hope and Responsibility
As Nigeria grapples with economic and social challenges, Children’s Day 2025 was a poignant reminder of the urgent need to invest in young Nigerians. Leaders, educators, and families were reminded that the strength of the nation lies in the well-being, education, and safety of its children. The day ended with a unified message: a brighter Nigeria begins with empowered children today.
