Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, urged urgent national commitment to protecting Nigerian children and schools against worsening insecurity nationwide.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja.

The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the tragedy as painful evidence of growing insecurity threatening education nationwide.

“This Children’s Day arrives during painful national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue suffering devastating consequences from violent attacks,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and learning environments across the country.

He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, while governments at all levels establish stronger frameworks to protect schools from criminal attacks and violence.

Speaking on the celebration’s theme, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must remain protected through deliberate national policies.

“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed children today. Every government must guarantee schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and opportunities.

The theme, ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,’ focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities nationwide.

Mr Alli-Balogun noted that activities organised throughout the week were designed to inspire students, strengthen confidence, and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.

According to him, the activities included youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services and a children’s parade rally.

“Listen to the future, stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.

The commissioner stated that students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and awareness through debates and cultural performances presented during the week-long celebration activities.

He said the presentations reflected the importance of identity, cultural heritage, and active youth participation in national growth and development.

“We remain committed to safe schools, inclusive learning, and policies that empower children to dream boldly, speak freely, and grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools, noting that the celebration reflected efforts to consistently invest in children’s future and wellbeing.

Lagos State traditionally uses Children’s Day celebrations to promote enrollment into public primary schools across the state.

The state government also publicises registration drives for primary one admissions during the annual Children’s Day activities as part of its educational development campaign. 

(NAN)