The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of Nigerian children and empowering adolescent girls through policies, education, and inclusive national dialogue.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known during a High-Level Inter-Generational Dialogue with Adolescent Girls held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Thursday as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “Her Voice, Her Power,” the minister said every Nigerian child deserves to be heard and included in decisions that shape the country’s future.
She described children not only as future leaders but as active contributors capable of driving positive social change, stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to ensuring equal opportunities for girls and boys across the country.
According to her, the government is strengthening the implementation of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act to tackle violence against children and other harmful practices.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted ongoing national policies aimed at ending child marriage, female genital mutilation, and all forms of abuse against children, while promoting menstrual health and hygiene among adolescent girls.
The minister expressed concern over the increasing number of out-of-school children, especially girls in rural and conflict-affected communities, describing the situation as a major threat to national development.
She disclosed that the Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank through the AGILE project, is expanding access to education and digital literacy for more than 8.6 million girls in 18 states across Nigeria.
She noted that silence on issues affecting children carries serious social and economic consequences, calling for greater investments in child protection, emotional wellbeing, psychosocial support, and leadership development for young people.
The minister also announced the launch of FutureNow, a national podcast platform designed to give Nigerian girls and boys the opportunity to share their experiences, express their ideas, and participate in conversations that affect their future.
She commended development partners including UNICEF, SOS Children’s Villages, and Save the Children for their support towards improving child welfare and development in Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further appreciated President Tinubu for supporting programmes and policies aimed at promoting the wellbeing and empowerment of children nationwide.
She urged Nigerians to continue protecting and supporting children, noting that transforming the life of one child could positively impact an entire generation.
The event attracted government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, and young people from different parts of the country.
