Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that his government would not relent in its efforts and commitment in preparing children for the future, while also prioritizing their constitutional rights for a safe environment.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, with the theme, ‘Stand up, Speak up: Building a Bullying-free Generation,’ held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
While delivering the address of President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, said that the theme for this year’s celebration was appropriate as it speaks directly to the culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, both in physical spaces and digital communities, stressing that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today.
He also called for a bully-free generation and enhanced child protection measures at all levels and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights, dreams, and future of every Nigerian child.
He added that children are the heartbeat and custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation and leadership. He, therefore, reiterated the constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty and commitment of his government to safeguard every Nigerian child, in protecting their rights, and as well nurturing their dreams.
He stated that his government would not relent in its efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children with a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) and equally expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.
He expressed happiness that the 36 states had domesticated the Child Rights Act, adding, however, that laws alone would not be sufficient to protect the children.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework which would focus exclusively on child protection and development to ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child.
He called on stakeholders, partners, and duty-bearers to sustain and deepen their collective efforts and ensure inclusiveness of child rights in all their budgets, plans, and policies, stressing that children’s safety cannot be solely anchored on government policies but must be backed by community vigilance.
He charged children to always speak up and stand up for their rights for adequate protection.
The event featured march-past from various schools and voluntary youth organizations, cycling display, and cultural display, among others
The event had in attendance top government functionaries.
Signed
Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
May 28, 2025
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