The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has applauded the creativity, resilience and talents of Nigerian children during the 2026 Children’s Day and Eid celebration held in Abuja.
Speaking at the all-day outdoor celebration, the Minister said Nigerian children possess enormous potential to excel in sports, entertainment, technology and other creative sectors if given the necessary support and opportunities.
“Our children are talented, whether in sports, the creative sector or even in the digital space. Nigerian children will excel regardless,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that the coincidence of Eid and Children’s Day made the celebration unique and symbolic, stressing that children remain central to national development and the future of the country.
“God knows why Eid and Children’s Day are happening on the same day, and we must not take that for granted,” she stated.
The Minister urged children to be disciplined, law-abiding and forward-thinking, noting that they also have responsibilities towards nation-building.
“In building this nation, everybody has their role; even the children have their role. They have the responsibility to be good children, law-abiding, forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project,” she stated.
She assured children that the Nigerian Government remains committed to policies and reforms aimed at improving their welfare, protection and opportunities.
“I want you to know that the Nigerian child is valued; we adore you, and we are cheering for you because your future is so bright,” the Minister said.
According to her, the Children’s Day activities began with a press conference centred on inclusivity and equal opportunities for every Nigerian child.
“The theme is all about inclusivity; no child will be left behind,” she noted.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the Ministry also organised a caregivers’ forum to highlight discussions around the proposed National Care Policy, which she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and in line with global best practices.
The Minister further encouraged children to embrace unity, mutual respect and positive relationships from an early age.
“I want every Nigerian child to see the opposite sex as a partner in progress. Let boys get used to having girls around and let girls get used to having boys as partners in progress and prosperity,” she charged.
As part of the celebrations, the event featured novelty football matches, cultural performances, entertainment activities and a Children’s Day parade involving children from schools, orphanages and special institutions, including schools for the deaf and blind.
She commended the enthusiasm and resilience displayed by the children despite the rainy weather during the rally and march-past.
“We made it happen regardless of the weather and the rain. We were able to have a good outing,” she said.
The Minister also disclosed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, hosted 1,000 children at the Presidential Villa as part of the nationwide Children’s Day celebration.
“It was a showcase of excellence, a showcase of our present and the future,” she stated.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim appreciated President Bola Tinubu; the First Lady; parents, the Ministry’s planning committee; and the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Nko Asanye Esuabana, for supporting programmes aimed at strengthening social development and child welfare.
She particularly commended President Tinubu for declaring 2026 as the Year of Family and Social Development.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Nko Asanye Esuabana, praised the Minister’s leadership and commitment towards advancing child welfare and social development programmes in the country.
Observers and stakeholders say the 2026 Children’s Day celebration reflected a stronger commitment to inclusion, equal opportunity and youth development through sports, entertainment and cultural engagement.
