The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities and strengthening protection mechanisms for all Nigerian children, regardless of gender, disability or background.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FMWASD minister, stated this in Abuja while hosting children at the Annual Children’s Carnival held at the Monoliza Amusement Park, Garki. The event was part of activities marking the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government remained committed to strengthening legal and social protection frameworks to enable Nigerian children to compete favourably globally and achieve their full potential.

The minister explained that the week-long activities lined up for the celebration reflected ongoing reforms targeted at child welfare, care and inclusion. She noted that the government had introduced the National Care Policy, which she described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and aligned with global best practices.

According to her, children also have responsibilities toward nation-building through discipline, patriotism and positive conduct.

“Even the children have their role. They have the responsibility to be good children, to be law-abiding, forward-thinking and progressive when it comes to the Nigerian project,” she stated.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged children to embrace gender inclusion and mutual respect from an early age, stressing the need to cultivate positive masculinity and partnership between boys and girls.

“Inclusivity starts from now. I want every Nigerian child to see the opposite sex as a partner in progress. Let the boys get used to having the girls around and let the girls get used to being partners in progress and prosperity with the boys,” she said.

The minister also praised the resilience and talents of Nigerian children in sports, the creative industry and the digital sector, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the country.

She disclosed that over 1,000 children from different backgrounds, including orphanages and special schools, were earlier hosted by the first lady, Remi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa as part of the Children’s Day activities.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising social development and declaring 2026 as the “Year of Family and Social Development”.

(NAN)