By Blessing Otobong-Gabriel
The Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, Boladale Akin-Kolapo, has called for urgent adoption of inclusive policies that guarantee equal opportunities, protection, and access to quality education, healthcare, and social support for every Nigerian child, stressing that no child should be excluded because of gender, disability, background, or economic status.
She made this known at a joint ministerial press briefing marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, the Country Director call for urgent and sustained action to ensure full inclusion and protection of every Nigerian child.
She described the theme as a timely reminder that every child regardless of gender, ability, background, or circumstance deserves the opportunity to thrive, dream, and reach their full potential.
She emphasized that investing in children and young people, particularly adolescent girls, remains one of the most critical investments Nigeria can make for its future. According to her, when children are protected, educated, healthy, and empowered, communities become stronger and national development accelerates.
Girl Effect Nigeria, she noted, remains committed to working with young people across the country through programmes that expand access to health information and services, support girls’ education and skills development, strengthen child protection systems, and create safe platforms for young people to express themselves and participate in decisions that affect their lives.
The organisation also reaffirmed its collaboration with the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, alongside development partners, civil society groups, and young people nationwide, in advancing child-centred policies and programmes.
However, she raised concern over persistent challenges affecting children in Nigeria, including poverty, violence, child marriage, limited access to education, exclusion, and unequal opportunities, stressing that addressing these issues requires sustained collaboration, innovation, and collective responsibility from government, communities, families, and young people themselves.
She called for renewed commitment to building inclusive and responsive systems that safeguard children’s rights, amplify their voices, and create enabling environments where every child can succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
Speaking, The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting and empowering every Nigerian child, describing children as “the clearest expression of tomorrow for any nation.”
The minister said children remain symbols of national continuity, resilience, and aspiration, stressing that deliberate investments in their welfare are critical to Nigeria’s future.
According to the minister, the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration seeks to restore that sense of pride and opportunity for Nigerian children through policies and interventions that prioritize their welfare and development.
She described the National Children’s Day celebration as one of Nigeria’s most important national observances, dedicated to promoting the survival, protection, development, participation, and well-being of every Nigerian child.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that Nigeria’s commitment to child welfare is anchored on international and regional frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
She further disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had declared 2026 as the “Year of Families and Social Development,” describing the family as the foundational institution for the protection, moral upbringing, and emotional development of every child.
Also, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting and empowering Nigerian children through inclusive healthcare policies and social welfare interventions.
The minister, who was represented by Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ozi, Director of Family Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, spoke during activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.
According to him, the health ministry considers child protection and development a critical national priority and remains committed to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality healthcare and opportunities for healthy growth.
In the same vein, the Director of Programme and Operation at Save the Children, Joshua Anar, said the organisation was proud to stand in solidarity with children and stakeholders advocating for improved child welfare in Nigeria.
According to him, the celebration serves not only as a moment to honour children, but also as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build an inclusive society where every child can thrive regardless of gender, disability, social background, or geographical location.
Anar reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to advancing child rights through programmes focused on survival, education, protection, and meaningful participation of children in decision-making processes affecting their lives.
