The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has urged Nigerian children to embrace responsibility, inclusivity and patriotism, declaring that every child has a role to play in nation-building.
Suleiman-Ibrahim stated this on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held in Abuja, where she said the coincidence of the celebration with Eid festivities carried special significance for Nigerians.
The Minister stressed that nation-building is a collective responsibility that includes children.
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“In building this nation, everybody has their role, even children have their role,” she stressed.
“They have the responsibility to be good children, to be law-abiding, to be forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project,” she stated.
Suleiman-Ibrahim assured Nigerian children that they remain valued and cherished by the government and society.
“Today we celebrate you so that tomorrow you can celebrate Nigeria and celebrate yourselves
“The Nigerian child is valued. We adore you, we are cheering for you because the future is bright,” the Minister assured the children.
She highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving child welfare, including efforts to strengthen legal protections and create platforms that would enable Nigerian children to compete globally in education, sports, technology and the creative industry.
According to her, the 2026 Children’s Day celebration focused on inclusivity under the theme of ensuring that no child is left behind.
Suleiman-Ibrahim noted that the activities featured a caregivers’ forum centred on Nigeria’s first National Care Policy, sporting events, cultural displays and a special reception hosted for 1,000 children at the Presidential Villa by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The Minister disclosed that children from diverse backgrounds, including pupils from schools for the deaf and blind, actively participated in the celebrations.
“It was a showcase of excellence and the future of the Nigerian child,” Suleiman-Ibrahim declared.
Despite heavy rainfall during the march-past parade, Suleiman-Ibrahim commended participants for their resilience.
“The rain wanted to stop us, but we stormed the weather,” she remarked.
The Minister also encouraged boys and girls to see themselves as partners in progress, while advocating positive masculinity and equal opportunities from the classroom level.
“Inclusivity starts from now
“Let the boys get used to having the girls around and let the girls get used to being partners in progress and prosperity with the boys,” Suleiman-Ibrahim urged.
She further commended parents, teachers and organisers for supporting the celebration and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to family and social development under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Suleiman-Ibrahim disclosed that the government plans to make future Children’s Day celebrations bigger, with greater emphasis on measurable achievements recorded for Nigerian children.
Concluding her address, the minister expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian children.
“Nigerian children are our ambassadors. They are the future, but the future is now,” she declared.
“Happy Eid and Happy Children’s Day 2026,” the Minister wished everyone.
