On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Nigerians will be celebrating the country’s 65th independence anniversary. Despite the abundant human and natural resources, the country has continued to struggle to realise the dream of its founding fathers. Nigerian children, who are the leaders of tomorrow, spoke on the country of their dream with GBENGA AKINFENWA (Lagos), JOSEPH KANJO (Benin City), TINA AGOSI TODO (Calabar), JULIUS OSAHON (Yenagoa), SAMSON KUKWA-YANOR (Makurdi), RAUF OYEWOLE (Bauchi), TUNDE OMOLEHIN

(My Dream Of Nigeria?
A land where leaders serve with integrity. I dream of a nation where every child receives quality education, where healthcare is accessible to all and justice is the watchword. I dream of a Nigeria where corruption, ethnicism, favoritism and most especially, insecurity become a thing of the past. I dream of a land where the leaders serve with integrity and citizens live with dignity, a country with uninterrupted power supply, good roads, thriving industries and one that can stand tall among all other nations, such that people from other countries will come visit Nigeria for vacations and even willing to stay.
Miracle Onuora, SSS3, Sito God’s Time School, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.

A Country Where Security Of Lives Is Paramount
I have always looked forward to a Nigeria where we’ll sleep with our two eyes closed without fear of insecurity. Robbery, kidnapping and other vices have become the order of the day, no one is safe, even the law enforcement agents have fallen victims to this menace. I dream of a country where security is paramount and the lives of people, especially the children are protected. It is a fact that when the country gets it right in the area of security, multinationals and foreigners will be willing to invest in the country.
Whitney Akinfenwa, JSS1, Brainfield Schools, Abule Egba, Lagos.

People Must Live Without Fear Of Unknown
I seek a Nigeria where unity, peace and prosperity are dominant, corruption is tackled frontally and leaders prioritise citizen’s welfare while investing in education, healthcare and basic infrastructure. My dream Nigeria is a land where people live without fear of the unknown and even the children are critical thinkers with great problem-solving skills. A land where democracy with its essential nuances thrives, such that the citizens are able to contribute actively to government with no fear of being sought for as Guinea Pig or scapegoat. I dream of a Nigeria becoming a place of interest to everyone.
Silas Ajeyemi, SSS3, Sito God’s Time School, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.

A Nigeria Where Females Are Free From Stereotypes
I want a Nigeria where females are free from all forms of stereotypes that have been limiting the potential and leadership roles of girls and women in the society. Governments at all levels should not relent in the effort to eliminate the vulnerability of the female gender.

If this is achieved, Nigeria will be better for it because the contributions of the female gender to the development of the country will drastically augment those of the male gender to move the country forward.
Hannah Adeniji, SSS2, Baptist Girls’ College, Idi Aba, Abẹokuta, Ogun State.

Nigerians in Diaspora Should Be Encouraged To Contribute Meaningfully
I look forward to a country that is peaceful, where citizens enjoy adequate security from all forms of criminal activities: A country where political and ethnic violence in any form be eliminated to let unity reign. Nigeria’s greatness has been limited by disunity along political and tribal lines. Technological, economic and educational advancement of Nigeria will be by leaps and bounds if there is peace and unity. Many Nigerians outside the country are contributing to the growth of other countries. They should be encouraged to come back home for the benefit of the country.
Semilore Agbedejobi, SSS1, First Golden Grace International School, Oluwo, Abẹokuta, Ogun State.

Infrastructure Gap Must Be Bridged Substantially
I look forward to a Nigeria where modern infrastructural facilities are made available for all. I dream of a Nigeria where we can have 24 hours electricity power supply at affordable rate. I dream of a Nigeria where government makes the welfare of the poor and orphans their priority. It is sad that many poor children who are homeless are becoming destitute across the country, government should make it a point of duty to ensure food, drink and shelter are provided for these children.
Heritage Akinfenwa, Middle Class 2, Brainfield Schools, Abule Egba, Lagos.

Food Security Through Bumper Harvest By Farmers
Nigeria of my dreams is a peaceful, prosperous country, where every child goes to school and every community thrives. I imagine safe streets, honest leaders and strong healthcare that reach villages. A Nigeria where farmers harvest enough food, markets bustle with fair trade and clean energy power homes. A nation where young people have jobs, and opportunities are created to build their future. A Nigeria where talent is valued and we all share a responsibility to make the dream real.
Gabriella Osehobo, SSS1, New Frontier Academy, Benin, Edo State.

Citizens Thrive Where Leaders Serve With Sincerity
The Nigeria of my dream is a nation that stands tall as the giant of Africa in reality, and not just in name. I imagine a Nigeria where our wealth serves the people, not a few. I long for a Nigeria where leaders serve, and citizens thrive. The Nigeria of my dream blossoms with fairness, justice, and hope. A wealthy nation yet its people suffer. Dreams die before they are born. The Nigeria I see today is not the Nigeria I desire.
Mirabel Ebi, JSS3, University Preparatory Secondary School, Benin, Edo State.

Equity, Fairness, Justice Must Reign
My dream Nigeria is one where every citizen enjoys basic necessities of life without discrimination. A better Nigeria, where there is free healthcare, economic development, and where everyone is happy. Not just for the rich, but where resources are shared fairly down to the lowest section of society. A Nigeria where equity is the rule of the day and non-violence is the culture on the streets. As a child, free education remains my biggest wish. Most students drop out, not because they don’t want to go to school, but because their parents cannot afford it. Free education will help students like me to achieve our dreams.
Nicholas Onen, SSS1, St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Cross River State.

Education Should Be Government’s Priority
The Nigeria of my dream is one that is free from insecurity and poverty. I wish for a Nigeria where banditry will be a thing of the past, just like in other developed countries. Education should be the government’s top priority. Right now in my life, education is most important to me. I believe it should be free for every child, because if young people cannot go to school, who will become the future doctors, lawyers and leaders?
Cletus Oden, JSS1, St. Patrick’s College, Ikot Ansa, Cross River State.

Hard work Must Be Valued And Rewarded
My dream for Nigeria is not just a vision; it is a call to action. I dream of a Nigeria where every citizen takes ownership of his or her role in shaping the future of our nation. A Nigeria where we work together to address our challenges, celebrate our successes, and build a brighter future for generations. This is the Nigeria of my dream, a nation that is built on the principles of hard work, accountability, and collective responsibility. A nation that proudly celebrates its rich cultural heritage. A nation where our diverse traditions, languages, and customs are valued and preserved. A nation where our cultural icons are celebrated, and our creative industries are supported to thrive.
Favour Adekunle, De-Amazing International Group Of School, Joke Ayo, Alagbado, Lagos

Transparent And Accountable Governance
My dream for Nigeria is to see a nation where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. A nation where our diversity is celebrated, and our unity is strengthened by our differences. A nation where our leaders are accountable, transparent, and driven by a passion for the well-being of all Nigerians. This is the Nigeria I dream of – a nation that is prosperous, peaceful, and a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. My dream for Nigeria is a country where our youth are empowered to reach their full potential, a country where every young Nigerian has access to quality education, skills training, and job opportunities. A country where our youth are encouraged to innovate, think critically, and solve problems creatively.
Favour Eduke, De-Amazing International Group Of School, Joke Ayo, Alagbado, Lagos

Constitutional Obligation Of Welfare And Security Of The Citizen Is Upheld Tenaciously
My dream for Nigeria is to be a better country where there will be peace, where people can become who they want to be. A Nigeria where people will not go hungry or lack basic amenities like food, clothes, shelter, electricity and water. Nigeria should be a place where the prices of things are affordable for the masses. I will never give up on Nigeria my own country no matter what we are facing right now.
Adeugo Godfrey, JSS3, St. Judes Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Our Human Capital Resources Must Be Harnessed Conscentiously
I have very big dreams for Nigeria. A dream of a good government that will provide for all Nigerians. I dream of good roads and better facilities. I dream of seeing youths go to work and not stay idle, that is to say we want more job opportunities. I dream Nigeria producing more doctors, lawyers, engineers, fashion designers and so forth. I also dream of Nigeria without cultism and making my state, Bayelsa, a better place to live and do business.
Empress Engman, J.S.S 2, St Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.  

All Must Work Towards Restoring Nigeria’s Pride, Dignity
I dream of a Nigeria where employment and positions would be given based on merit and not favouritism. I dream that Nigeria would be one of the world’s super powers. A Nigeria where the potential of the younger ones is foreseen and groomed at an early stage. I dream of a Nigeria where the pride and dignity of the nation would be restored, thereby, reclaim the lost glory.
Princess Aondover, SSS2, Sora Heights School, Gboko Benue State.

A Beautiful Country
A place where all children receive basic education in schools with qualified teachers, well-equipped laboratories and libraries; a place where everyone is safe, attacks by bandits and herders are history, and IDP camps don’t exist. A place where there is no religious or ethnic discrimination and everyone has equal opportunity to succeed; where the roads have no potholes, the streets are free from litters and the drainages uncluttered. There, the leaders are honest and they put the people before themselves, and everyone is free to speak out. Together, let’s make this dream come true!
Se’ember Nege, Basic 7, Holy Child Secondary School, Makurdi, Benue State.

Free, Quality Education Should Be Prioritised
As a Nigerian child, it is our hope that the government gives us quality education that is affordable to our parents. One of the many complaints of parents is about high cost of school fees. We are begging the government to make education available and affordable to our parents. They say education is key to success; they should give us the quality keys. We want to compete with our peers in other states and foreign countries. We see what school kids and teens are doing in the tech industry and which is boosting the economy of the country. Our government should please do such things for us in Nigeria.Abubakar Musa, 15 years in Bauchi State.

Child Protection, Welfare Should Be Paramount
We are pleading with the government to provide more welfare for Nigerian children. Many kids are being neglected, uneducated and maltreated. Many of our peers have become out-of-school children. We are begging the government to also protect children from harassment and torture. Many girls are being raped and the rapists mostly go unpunished.
Praise Timi, 15 years, Bauchi State.

Government Should Make Life Easy For Our Parents
I want good leadership that thinks about the welfare of children. A Nigeria where children enjoy time with their parents. Many children lack support from their parents because they don’t have a means. The government should help make lives easy for our parents. Also, I want a Nigeria where stable electricity lower supply is enjoyed. That will make Nigerians children have digital skills that can help the country become more productive.
Halima Adamu Shehu, 10 years old, Bauchi State.

A Peaceful Country With Riches
How I wish I could take a breath without thinking of the threats of insecurities around me.
The heights of corruption and vandalisation of government properties has been hindering children from enjoying basic amenities that’ll elevate our standard living. This keeps me in awe. Ever since I was young, I have always wanted a comfortable life; a life in which I would not fear to have a better life, a life in which each passing day will remind me of the unity that once existed across the coasts of my country.
Joseph Anih, SSS2, Anglican Cathedral Secondary School, Kwara State

Our Natural Resources Are Enjoyed By All
We were ruled by the white men. The British ruled and controlled us until we gained independence on October 1, 1960. We were named Nigeria but now Nigeria is a place where leaders don’t lead and followers don’t follow. We became the crippled giant of Africa. Most times, I wonder how a corruption free Nigeria would be like where our economy would be improved and we would have God fearing and righteous leaders. A country where our natural resources will be tapped and enjoyed by the people. I can only hope that my dream will become a reality.
Similoluwa Olawuyi, SSS2, Ebenezer High School, Kwara State.

A Country Where Our Diversity Shines As Strength
As a young girl growing up in Northwest Nigeria, I have seen insecurity rob children of their laughter and silence the voices of my sisters. Many of my age mates are out of school, some made orphans, and others left with scars of trauma. Yet, I still dream of a Nigeria where peace will cover us like an umbrella, and where our diversity shines as strength, not division. I dream of a land where every girl is safe, valued, and given equal chances to excel with dignity, honor, and hope lighting our tomorrow. This is the Nigeria of my dreams.Khadija Hussaini Isa, JSS 3, Golden Breed Academy, Sokoto State.

We Need Equal Opportunity For All
My dream is that of a country free from violence, where every child will feel safe: A country with free, qualitative and excellent education with well-equipped schools and dedicated teachers. I dream of a country with constant and uninterrupted electricity so that all children can study at night and the family can have fun together. I dreamt of a Nigeria with a good road network, potable water, modern hospitals with affordable bills, and qualified doctors to take care of the sick. I dream of a country that will offer equal opportunity to boys, girls, women, and men, a great country with good technology. A country where no child will ever go hungry not even the orphans. A country where everyone will obey laws and public orders with justice served fairly.
Kosi Igwe, JSS 2, Twins Pillar Academy, Sokoto State.

Our Leaders Should Address Challenges That’ll Reduce Poverty
The Nigeria of my dream is one that should make life easy for the people. Each time I stand and watch, I discover that people are suffering a lot. You can imagine that some of our parents are finding it difficult to give their children good education owing to lack of money. At home, the children are not well fed because there is no money to provide them with good food. As Nigeria marks her 65 years of Independence, I call on the President and governors to pay more attention to things that will reduce poverty and make life better for the people of the country. I believe that when Nigerians feed well, go to good schools, it will help solve a lot of problems we are having so far.
Sochukwu GreatGod, JSS 3, Spring of Life International School, Enugu, Enugu State.

If I Become President Of Nigeria, Every Child Will Go To School
What will be the Nigeria of my dream is where every child has the opportunity to go to school. Every time my father or mother is taking me home from school, we normally pass some children at a traffic light junction who are either begging for food or money. They are doing this at a time when they are supposed to be in school learning. I know that if there is free education, they will not be on the road begging during school hours. So, if I become the President of Nigeria, I will make sure that every child of school age is in school. I will make sure that they will stop begging for money at traffic light junctions. This is because a vehicle may hit them when they are there begging or somebody can come there and kidnap them. But if they are in school, nobody will injure or kill them and they will learn good manners when they are in school than when they are on the road.
Somtochukwu David, Primary 6, Airforce Primary School, Enugu, Enugu State.

Every Child Deserves Proper Education
My dream of Nigeria is a land where leaders serve selflessly, with honesty and integrity. I dream of a nation where people live in peace and harmony. Where every child is given a proper education, where healthcare is readily available, and where injustice, ethnicism, corruption, and insecurity are a thing of the past. I dream of a land that is flowing with milk and honey, where pollution is greatly tackled, where basic infrastructure is abundant. I dream of a land where people from other nations will live to come and spend their vacations, and even willing to relocate and contribute meaningfully to its socio-economic development.
Jeniffer Ojome, SSS 1, Saint Martin de-Porres College, Katsina, Katsina State.

Quality Infrastructure Is Indispensable
I dream of a land where everyone can enjoy his or her fundamental human rights, where the constitution is given the recognition it so deserves, and where citizens adhere to existing laws and statutes. I dream of a nation where every child can have quality education, where graduates would have good jobs or good sources of livelihood, and where the elderly would be paid their pensions on time, or have government take adequate care of them as done in advanced nations. I dream of a land with good road networks, state-of-the-art hospitals, and other quality infrastructures. A land where leaders are ready and willing to lead us right. A nation where voices of the poor matter and heard, where people’s dreams come true.
Favour Pius, SSS 3, Government Girls Secondary School, (formerly Women Teachers College), Katsina, Katsina State.