First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerian Children to Aim Higher at 2026 Children’s Day Celebration

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerian Children to Aim Higher at 2026 Children’s Day Celebration

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian children to remain focused on their dreams and refuse to allow their environment to define their future.

She gave the charge on Tuesday during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House in Abuja, where cash prizes, laptops and tablets were presented to outstanding children and young innovators.

Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu explained that this year’s Children’s Day celebration was held ahead of the usual May 27 date because it coincides with the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

According to her, celebrating the children ahead of schedule demonstrates the importance the administration places on the wellbeing and future of Nigerian children.

“Today is not only a celebration of our children, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a nation where every child is valued, protected, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

Speaking on the 2026 theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” the First Lady stressed the need for equal access to quality education, healthcare, digital skills and a safe environment for all children, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion or social status.

She also stated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is implementing policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving children’s welfare through investments in education, healthcare, nutrition, child protection, vocational training and STEM opportunities.

Senator Tinubu congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators showcased at the event, describing their creativity and ideas as evidence of Nigeria’s bright future.

Top winners at the competition received N1 million, while second and third-place winners were awarded N500,000 and N250,000 respectively. Laptops and tablets were also distributed to participating children to support learning and digital development.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman, said the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms concerning women and children reflect the administration’s commitment to child welfare.

She noted that the review of the Child Rights Act 2003 seeks to strengthen child protection, address emerging challenges in the digital space and align Nigeria’s framework with global best practices.

Also speaking at the event, UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Abdulatef, called on adults to listen more closely to children beyond the annual celebration.

Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mathew Verghis, described children as Nigeria’s greatest asset and stressed the importance of sustained investment in early childhood development.

The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening child nutrition and healthcare programmes across the country.

Highlights of the event included science and technology exhibitions showcasing innovative projects by students from public schools, as well as an early childhood development interaction session with the First Lady.