The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerian children to uphold patriotism, discipline, and moral values as the country joined the rest of the world in marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Director, Communications and Media, Paul Odenyi, in which the agency described Nigerian children as the “hope, strength and future of the nation.”

In Nigeria, Children’s Day is observed annually on May 27, set aside to honour children and draw attention to their welfare, rights and development needs, while also reinforcing national commitment to their protection and education.

The Director-General of the NOA congratulated Nigerian children on the 2026 celebration, noting that the occasion serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility of government, parents, teachers, religious institutions and society in nurturing responsible citizens.

He stressed that the foundation of a strong nation lies in the values instilled in its younger generation.

“The future of our nation depends greatly on the values, education and opportunities we provide for our children today. Every child deserves access to quality education, safety, healthcare, guidance and a conducive environment to grow into responsible citizens,” the statement read.

The agency urged children across the country to remain committed to learning, discipline, patriotism and moral excellence as they prepare for future leadership roles.

It also advised young Nigerians to steer clear of negative influences such as crime, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and violence, while encouraging them to embrace integrity, hard work, creativity and national unity.

According to the NOA, promoting civic responsibility and value reorientation among young people remains a key part of its mandate, adding that it will continue to intensify public enlightenment programmes in schools and communities across the country.

The agency further commended parents, teachers, caregivers and development partners for their efforts in nurturing children despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

“As we celebrate our children today, let us all renew our commitment to building a Nigeria where every child can dream, thrive and succeed regardless of background, ethnicity or religion,” the statement added.

The NOA wished Nigerian children a peaceful and memorable 2026 Children’s Day celebration, reaffirming its commitment to building responsible citizenship and strengthening national values among young people