Children’s day 2025: Remi Tinubu urges Nigerians to act against bullying

In a heartfelt message released today, the First Lady emphasized that this year’s theme — “Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation”—highlights a shared duty to protect and nurture the country’s children, whom she described as the future of the nation.

She encouraged Nigerians to embrace and promote values such as kindness, empathy, and responsible leadership, urging adults to lead by example.

“As a mother, I urge every Nigerian to actively stand against bullying,” she said. “Let’s teach our children that true strength lies in compassion and that real leadership begins with caring for one another.”

She extended warm wishes and love to all children across the nation in celebration of the occasion.

The First Lady underscored the severe and long-term effects of bullying, whether it happens in schools, communities, or online. She noted that such experiences can leave emotional scars that hinder a child’s overall growth.

“Every child has the right to grow up in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and free from fear,” she stated.

Echoing similar concerns, President Bola Tinubu also condemned bullying in his Children’s Day message. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive Nigeria for all children.

He reiterated the importance of this year’s theme and stressed the need to build a society where children are respected, protected, and heard — both offline and online.

“Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in today’s Nigeria,” the President said.

Citing global and local data, President Tinubu expressed alarm over the widespread nature of bullying, revealing that over one-third of children worldwide experience it regularly, while in Nigeria, the figure could be as high as 65% among school-age children.

“This is unacceptable,” he said. “A child who lives in fear cannot learn well, and a child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”

Children’s Day is observed globally as a reminder to safeguard the well-being of children and promote initiatives that ensure their holistic development and protection.