President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a bold National Action Plan to end violence against children in Nigeria, urging strict enforcement of the Child Rights Act and related child protection laws.
The move, as noticed by WorldClass247News, signals a renewed national commitment to safeguarding the dignity, safety, and future of Nigerian children.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu outlined his administration’s roadmap for child protection.
Key initiatives include the establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency to streamline efforts nationwide, the introduction of a Universal Child Grant aimed at reducing child poverty, and the creation of a National Child Protection Database alongside a Child Well-being Index to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
“The well-being of our children must be a top priority,” President Tinubu said in his address. “We are committed to strengthening existing institutions and laws, and launching national campaigns to promote awareness and drive behavioural change.”
Highlighting the daily challenges faced by many Nigerian children, Tinubu emphasized the need for sincere, coordinated efforts across all levels of government.
He assured that institutions like the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have been equipped with the tools and training required to lead the charge in child protection.
The meeting also featured remarks from Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, who called for African leaders to translate commitments into tangible actions.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reaffirmed the country’s progress since the November 2024 Bogotá Ministerial Conference, noting advances in legal reform, safe school initiatives, and parenting support under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delegates from Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso echoed their countries’ dedication to the alliance’s goals. They presented progress updates and praised Nigeria’s leadership, urging all stakeholders to move from rhetoric to results in ending violence against children across the continent.