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.
Speaking to Voice of Nigeria Eight-year-old Zion Mantim described the event as both exciting and memorable, sharing his joy after participating in several recreational activities.
“I rode the Ferris wheel and went on the pirate ship. It was so fun and scary at the same time, and I liked it. I danced, drank juice, ate food, and did so many things. I even saw my classmates.”
Beyond the excitement, Zion spoke passionately about the safety and wellbeing of children in Nigeria.
“I want the government to ensure that children feel safe in schools and in their environments and that there won’t be any cases of kidnapping.”
He also appealed to parents to be more patient and attentive in raising children.
“I want parents to listen to their children. They should always be patient and be slow to beat them while still keeping their children disciplined.”
Ten-year-old Zoe Manre expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the children’s programme, highlighting the variety of educational and recreational activities she enjoyed.
“I participated in many activities such as painting, tie and dye, chess, defence games, and the pirate ship ride.”
Zoe commended the support provided by the Wife of the President and the Ministry of Women Affairs, noting the importance of investing in Nigerian children.
“I am grateful to the Wife of the President and the Minister of Women Affairs for making this possible. I promise that, as Nigerian children, we will work hard to make our country better.”
She further called on government to create more opportunities that would enable children across the country to reach their full potential.
“We also want the government to invest in ensuring that children have better opportunities to thrive.”
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 events reflect a stronger commitment to inclusion, child protection and social development, especially for vulnerable children through sports, entertainment and cultural engagement.
They note that the focus on equal opportunity, care reforms and the participation of children from orphanages and special schools signals a broader effort to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind in the nation’s development agenda.
