Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, have called for sustained investment in the welfare, education and healthcare of Nigerian children as the country marked the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

In separate messages, both leaders stressed the need to protect children’s rights and create opportunities that would enable them to realise their full potential.

Obi, in a message to children across the country, described Nigerian children as the nation’s present strength and future hope, noting that they continue to display talent, resilience and promise despite difficult circumstances.

According to him, children in classrooms, internally displaced persons’ camps and urban communities represent untapped potential capable of transforming Nigeria if properly nurtured.

“Each time I look into the eyes of a child in Nigeria, I see future scientists, tech innovators, leaders and builders who can stand toe-to-toe with the world if given access to the right resources,” he said.

The former Anambra State governor said the quality of leadership in any nation is reflected in how it treats its children, adding that millions of out-of-school children and limited access to healthcare and safety remain unacceptable.

He argued that Nigeria’s long-term development depends on moving from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy through major investment in foundational education and healthcare.

“Failing to invest in our children today is akin to borrowing from our future,” Obi said.

He also urged children to remain hopeful, embrace learning and technology, and continue to dream despite prevailing challenges.

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a “new Nigeria” where schools are safe and every child has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Meanwhile, Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive and quality education for every Nigerian child during a Children’s Day event held at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja.

A statement by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Ikharo Attah, said the event brought together children from different schools and backgrounds across the country as part of efforts to promote inclusive education and child development.

Speaking during the celebration, Alausa said Children’s Day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to secure the future of Nigerian children through sustained investment in education, wellbeing and opportunities.

According to him, every Nigerian child deserves to feel “seen, heard, encouraged and supported” regardless of background or circumstance.

The minister also hosted young disability advocate and actress, Dera Osadebe, whom he praised for championing the rights of children living with disabilities and autism.

He said her advocacy reflected the resilience and brilliance of millions of Nigerian children and was helping to advance conversations around inclusion, empathy and equal opportunities.

Alausa added that the Federal Government’s commitment to child development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment and expanded access to quality education.