Shiktra Shalangwa
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has stated that despite current challenges, the future of Nigeria’s children remains promising.
Bagudu , who was speaking at a World Children’s Day event organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund in Abuja on Thursday, gave the assurance that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to investing in the future of the Nigerian child.
He also spoke on the Monday abduction of students of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Masagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
“I want to assure our children that despite the challenge of the moment, a great future lies ahead of them. We want them to be better than all of us,” he stated, adding, “Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is an advocate for investment in children and teacher education. He is committed to giving them the maximum support they need to develop.”
Calling for a minute’s prayer for the abducted students and children in captivity all over the world, Bagudu advocated global action against the abduction of children, saying it should be seen as an attack on humanity.
The minister expressed President Tinubu’s deep sorrow and concern over the incident, which he explained had led the president to cancel several domestic and international engagements to focus attention on the recovery efforts.
Emphasising that an attack on children is an attack on humanity that requires a collective action, he said the Maga incident was a sad reminder of worldwide hostility against children, including school shootings in the United States of America, during which scores are killed.
He told the audience, “Our children are our future. When a child is threatened, it is not just a national issue—it is a global concern. The world must come together to say no to acts of violence against children.”
Speaking on the theme of the celebration in Nigeria, ‘The Future of Nigeria’s Children: Vision, Voices and Action,’ he urged both national and international stakeholders to unite in safeguarding children, improving access to quality education, and prioritising investments in child welfare.
Bagudu emphasised that education is not only about enrolment but also about the quality of learning, highlighting that digital tools—such as tablets, smartphones, and online libraries—are essential resources that can provide children with access to knowledge, provided that equitable access is ensured.
“Every child should have the opportunity to learn, regardless of where they live or their circumstances,” he said.
On the matter of security, the minister called for a united international stance, stressing that no country can address modern threats to children alone.
He pointed to Nigeria’s contributions to global peacekeeping and regional stability, noting that innovative technologies, including drones and intelligence-sharing, could assist in locating missing children and preventing future incidents.
“Support from the global community is not a weakness; it is solidarity,” he added.
The minister also underscored the impact of recent macroeconomic reforms, which he said have increased funding to federal, state, and local governments.
He urged citizens and leaders to ensure these resources are directed toward programs that benefit children, including education, school safety, and welfare initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, the minister called on all Nigerians and global partners to make children a shared priority.
“We must unite—families, communities, governments, and international partners—to ensure every child is safe, educated, and empowered. This is our collective responsibility,” he said.
Bagudu thanked the United Nations for its support for Nigeria’s economic reforms, which he said are bearing the fruits necessary for inclusive development and growth.