First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to end bullying among children nationwide.
Her message is contained in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, to mark the Children’s Day 2025, with the theme: “Stand Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”
Senator Tinubu emphasized the importance of providing children with a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that promotes dignity, empathy, and emotional well-being.
She described bullying — whether physical, verbal, psychological, or cyber, as a pervasive issue that leaves deep scars and undermines a child’s right to safety and growth.
“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that is safe, supportive, and free from fear,” she stated. “Bullying is not a rite of passage. It is a form of violence that can destroy a child’s self-esteem, hinder learning, and threaten their future”, she noted.
Senator Tinubu urged parents, guardians, teachers, religious leaders, and policymakers to work together to identify, prevent, and respond to incidents of bullying wherever they occur. She also called for the implementation of more effective policies within schools and communities that foster respect, inclusion, and discipline.
“As a mother, I call on all Nigerians to take an active stand against bullying,” she said. “Let us teach our children that strength lies in kindness, and true leadership begins with standing up for those who cannot stand for themselves”, she asserted.
Her advocacy comes amid rising concern over the mental health and safety of children in both rural and urban settings. Her message aligns with the ongoing efforts by the federal government and international partners to ensure the protection and empowerment of Nigerian children through education, legal reforms, and community engagement.
Children’s Day, celebrated annually on May 27, serves as a moment to reflect on the rights and welfare of Nigerian children.
Senator Tinubu further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to creating policies that support child development and ensure that no child is left behind due to neglect, violence, or discrimination.
She urged the nation to remember that the future of Nigeria lies in the well-being and development of its youngest citizens.