…Assures no Nigerian child will be left behind

The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD) has stressed the need for inclusivity, equal opportunities and stronger protection mechanisms for every Nigerian child, regardless of gender, disability or background.

Its Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated this in Abuja on Wednesday while hosting children at the Annual Children’s Carnival held at the Monoliza Amusement Park, Garki, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

The event, themed, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” brought together children from schools, orphanages and special institutions, including schools for the deaf and blind.

According to her, the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening legal and social protection frameworks that would enable Nigerian children compete favourably globally and achieve their full potential.

“The Nigerian child is valued. We adore you. We are cheering for you because the future is so bright,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the week-long activities lined up for the celebration reflected ongoing reforms targeted at child welfare, care and inclusion.

She noted that government recently introduced the National Care Policy, which she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and in line with global best practices.

“We started with a press conference where we highlighted the theme. The theme is all about inclusivity. No child will be left behind,” she said.

The minister added that children also have responsibilities towards nation-building through discipline, patriotism and positive conduct.

“Even the children have their role. They have the responsibility to be good children, to be law-abiding, to be forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project,” she stated.

She further urged children to embrace gender inclusion and mutual respect from an early age, stressing the need to cultivate positive masculinity and partnership between boys and girls.

“Inclusivity starts from now. I want every Nigerian child to see the opposite sex as a partner in progress. Let the boys get used to having the girls around and let the girls get used to being partners in progress and prosperity with the boys,” she said.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also praised the resilience and talents of Nigerian children in sports, the creative industry and the digital sector, saying they remain worthy ambassadors of the country.

She disclosed that over 1,000 children from different backgrounds, including orphanages and special schools, were earlier hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa as part of the Children’s Day activities.

The minister commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising social development and declaring 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development.”

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Uko Esuwa Bada, also lauded the successful organisation of the event and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to advancing policies that promote the welfare and inclusion of Nigerian children.

The celebration featured games, cultural performances, music, march-pasts and cake-cutting sessions with children, amongst others.