The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD) has emphasized the critical importance of inclusivity, equal opportunities, and enhanced protection mechanisms for every Nigerian child, irrespective of gender, disability, or background.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this declaration on Wednesday in Abuja during the Annual Children's Carnival held at Monoliza Amusement Park in Garki. The event was part of the 2026 National Children's Day celebration.
The carnival, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” gathered children from various schools, orphanages, and special institutions, including schools for the deaf and blind.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim affirmed that the Federal Government remains dedicated to reinforcing legal and social protection frameworks to enable Nigerian children to compete globally and realize their full potential.
“The Nigerian child is valued. We adore you. We are cheering for you because the future is so bright,” she said.
She explained that the week-long activities for the celebration reflect ongoing reforms targeting child welfare, care, and inclusion. The government recently introduced the National Care Policy, which she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and aligned 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,” the minister noted.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also reminded children of their responsibilities toward 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 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.
The minister praised the resilience and talents of Nigerian children in sports, the creative industry, and the digital sector, calling them worthy ambassadors of the country.
She disclosed that over 1,000 children from diverse 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.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing 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 organization 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, among other activities.
