NCD 2026: First Lady Tinubu urges children to aim higher regardless of environment

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu presents cash prizes, laptops at 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, urging kids to always aim high by not allowing the environment to define or limit their potential

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu has charged Nigerian children to always aim high, not allowing the environment in which they find themselves to limit their exploits.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu stated this while speaking at the celebration of the 2026 National Children’s Day in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

Explaining why this year’s celebration had earlier than the usual May 27, when it is celebrated, she said the day coincides with the next Eid-El Kabir this year.

Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the First Lady on Media, on a statement Tuesday, May 19, 2026, quoted the First Lady to have said: “Celebrating them ahead of the annual children’s day on 27th May, which coincides with Sallah celebration this year, shows the importance we place on the children of this nation.

“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.”

Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, others

Discussing the theme of the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration, titled: “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child”, the First Lady emphasised that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and a safe environment where they can reach their full potential.

She further said: “It calls on us to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion, or social status.

“Inclusion, irrespective of age must remain at the center of our national development.”

She explained: “Beloved children, I want you to know that Mr. President, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is working hard to ensure a better and brighter future for you. Through the Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President is investing in your education, health, child nutrition, child’s right and protection.

“He is removing barriers to education for the girl child, expanding vocational and STEM opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind.”

Congratulations to National Essay Competition, Young Innovators winners

As highlights of the event, Senator Oluremi Tinubu congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators at NCD 2026.

The First Lady declared: “Your thoughtful ideas, and creativity demonstrate that the future of Nigeria is bright and full of promise.

“Remain focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect, and love for country.”

Top winners received N1 million, second-place got N500,000 and third-place winners were awarded N250,000.

She equally distributed laptops and tablets to all children at the event to support the students’ learning and digital skills.

Earlier in her remarks, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, Honourable Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, had said with the various reforms the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is undertaking especially in areas relating to children and women, it lends credence to the fact that he takes the care and well-being of children very seriously.

Insight into revision of Child Rights Act 2003

Highlighting some benefits of the ongoing review of the regulatory instrument on children, First Lady Tinubu said: “The ongoing review of the Child Rights Act (2003), already domesticated across all 36 States is critical at this time.

“It seeks to strengthen enforcement, close emerging protection gaps, and align Nigeria’s child protection framework with evolving digital realities and global best practices.”

She noted: “Our vision remains clear: to raise a generation of Nigerian children who are safe, confident, disciplined, morally grounded, innovative, and globally competitive; ready to lead Nigeria into a stronger and more prosperous future.”

Likewise, Ms. Wafaa Abdulatef, Country Representative of UNICEF, in her goodwill message commended Nigerian children’s creativity, and urged adults to listen beyond the single day of observance.

She stated: “Let us listen to the children. Not only during this Children’s Day, but also every day.”

In her remarks at the event, Matthew Verghis, Acting Country Director of the World Bank, described children as the country’s largest asset.

She then, urged continued investment in early life to deliver long-term results.

Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Authority, said the government is reinforcing child nutrition and public health programmes, pledging to fully commit to every child to having access to the very important health services.

The statement as well noted some highlights of the National Children’s Day celebration include a Science and Technology Exhibition, which showcased some rare innovations and ideas by students and pupils of public schools.

Also the Early Childhood Development interaction with the First Lady was also undertaken.

Kindly Share This Story