On Children’s Day 2026, President Bola Tinubu promised to do everything possible to bring back the schoolchildren taken in Oyo and Borno states.
The painful memory of the abductions in Oyo, where pupils were seized from their classrooms, and similar tragedies in other states, cast a shadow over the celebrations, reminding the nation of the urgent need for action.
He spoke as a father and leader, telling families, “You are not forgotten, you are not abandoned.” He also told security agencies to step up rescue efforts and improve school safety in high-risk areas.
Tinubu recognised that some families could not celebrate Children’s Day because their children and teachers are still missing. He said his government is committed to restoring hope.
He asked the Federal Ministry of Education and state governments to strengthen the Safe Schools program, improve early warning systems, and ensure that rescued children receive counselling and support to return to normal life.
The President called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and local communities to work together to protect schools and report any suspicious activity.
He said that investing in education, healthcare, and safer communities is key to giving every child a better future.
As Nigeria marks Children’s Day, Tinubu’s call to action serves as a reminder that the rescue and protection of every child is central to the nation’s future. Every effort to bring back the abducted pupils, strengthen school safety, and invest in children’s well-being ties back to the promise that every child matters—today and always.
