By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will continue to intensify efforts to rescue abducted children and strengthen security around schools across the country.
In a statement issued to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the President declared that children held captive by criminals in parts of Oyo and Borno states had not been forgotten.
Tinubu said the government remained committed to ensuring the safe return of abducted pupils, teachers and other vulnerable citizens.
“To those children, their parents, and their teachers, I say this as a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned,” he stated.
The President disclosed that he had directed all relevant security agencies to sustain and intensify coordinated rescue operations through intelligence-led strategies focused on the safe recovery of abducted children.
He also announced plans to strengthen school protection measures in high-risk areas through updated vulnerability mapping, improved coordination between state governments and security agencies, rapid emergency response systems and stronger community-based early warning mechanisms.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, has been directed to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear responsibilities and timelines.
“Every school in a vulnerable area must know who to call, what to do, where to move, and how to protect children when danger is identified,” the President said.
Tinubu further stated that the government would improve rehabilitation and reintegration support for children rescued from abduction, violence and displacement.
He noted that such children would receive medical care, counselling, education and other forms of support necessary for recovery and reintegration into society.
The President stressed that the responsibility of protecting children should not rest on government alone, urging parents, teachers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, transport unions, local vigilantes and the media to support efforts aimed at safeguarding children.
“When information is shared quickly and responsibly, lives can be saved,” he added.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” Tinubu said the future of Nigeria depends on the opportunities created for children today.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, healthcare, nutrition, digital skills, social protection and safer communities to guarantee a better future for Nigerian children.
The President also celebrated children across the country, including those excelling academically, learning vocational skills, living with disabilities or overcoming difficult circumstances.
“You matter—your dreams matter; your safety matters. Your education matters,” Tinubu said while assuring children that their future remained a priority for his administration.
