By Crystal Ugoeze
Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian children to rise above their circumstances and pursue excellence, telling them not to allow their environment define their limitations.
She gave the charge on Tuesday during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House in Abuja, where cash prizes, laptops and tablets were presented to outstanding children and winners of the National Essay Competition.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu explained that this year’s Children’s Day celebration was held ahead of the usual May 27 date because it coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
According to her, celebrating the children ahead of time demonstrates the importance attached to their welfare and future.
“Today is not only a celebration of our children, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a nation where every child is valued, protected, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” the First Lady stressed that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment.
She said inclusion must remain central to national development, irrespective of children’s gender, ethnicity, religion or social status.
Addressing the children directly, Senator Tinubu assured them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to creating a better future for them through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She noted that the administration is investing in education, nutrition, healthcare, child protection and vocational training, while also expanding opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The First Lady congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators whose projects were showcased during the event, describing their creativity and ideas as evidence of Nigeria’s bright future.
Top winners received N1 million, while second and third-place winners got N500,000 and N250,000 respectively. Laptops and tablets were also distributed to support learning and digital development.
Earlier, the Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman, said the ongoing reforms of the Tinubu administration reflected its commitment to the welfare of women and children.
She stated that the review of the Child Rights Act 2003, already domesticated in all 36 states, would strengthen child protection and address emerging challenges in the digital era.
Also speaking, UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Abdulatef, urged adults to continually listen to children beyond the annual observance.
Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mathew Verghis, described children as Nigeria’s greatest asset and called for sustained investment in early childhood development.
The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Muyi Aina, said government remained committed to improving child nutrition and healthcare services nationwide.
Highlights of the event included a science and technology exhibition showcasing innovations by students from public schools, as well as an Early Childhood Development interaction with the First Lady.