Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to take stronger action to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
She made the appeal in Abuja on Tuesday during the 2025 World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse.
This year’s theme is “Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making.”
Mrs. Tinubu stressed that parents, guardians, and society at large must put the safety of children first and treat their protection as a shared responsibility.
“As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said. “I call on government agencies, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and young people to work together to build an environment where children feel safe and able to thrive.”
She added that protecting children requires more than statements of concern. It demands real action driven by accurate data, solid research, and effective policies. “May God protect all our children,” she prayed.
The World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse is marked annually on November 18.
The day was first introduced by the Council of Europe in 2015 to encourage global efforts to prevent child sexual abuse, bring offenders to justice, and support survivors. It was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2022 to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding the issue.
