The Annual Children’s Day celebration scheduled for May 27th yearly has seen the country’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, calling on citizens to take an active stand against bullying, describing it as a threat to the emotional and academic well-being of children.
In her goodwill message on Tuesday, Remi Tinubu said this year’s theme, “Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” reflects a collective responsibility to nurture and protect the nation’s children, who represent the future of Nigeria.
She appealed to Nigerians to be intentional in promoting kindness, empathy, and leadership by example.
“As a mother, I call on all Nigerians to take an active stand against bullying. Let us teach our children that strength lies in compassion, and that true leadership begins with looking out for one another,” the First Lady said.
“As we mark this year’s Children’s Day, I extend my warmest wishes and love to every child across our great nation,” she said.
The First Lady emphasised the damaging impact of bullying, whether in schools, communities, or online, stating that it leaves “lasting wounds that hinder a child’s emotional, social, and academic development”.
“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, President Bola Tinubu condemned bullying and pledged his administration’s commitment to creating a safer, more secure Nigeria for children.The president emphasised the importance of building a culture where children are respected and protected.
“This year’s theme, ‘Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation’, could not have been more timely, as it speaks directly to the culture we are building — a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities,” he said.
“Just to be clear, violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” the president stressed.Citing global and local statistics, President Tinubu highlighted the urgency of addressing bullying in Nigeria.
“Globally, more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly.
“In Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression. This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” Tinubu said.
Children’s Day is celebrated across the world, serving as a platform to reflect on the well-being of children and promote policies that guarantee their protection and development.
