‘Never Let Your Circumstances Limit Your Dreams’ — Oluremi Tinubu Charges Nigerian Children

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged Nigerian children not to allow their background or present realities to define their future, encouraging them to dream bigger and remain committed to building a better nation.

She gave the charge on Tuesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The event, held ahead of the official May 27 Children’s Day celebration because of the Sallah festivities, was themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child.”

Addressing the children, Senator Tinubu described them as the “heartbeat of the nation” and said every Nigerian child deserves equal access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills and opportunities for growth.

“My charge to you today is that you should aim higher; do not allow the environment to define your limit,” she said.

“To all our dear children across the nation, I urge you to remain focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect and love for country. Never allow your circumstances to limit your dreams. Your future begins with the choices you make today.”

The First Lady said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening policies and programmes that support children’s welfare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to her, the administration is investing in education, child healthcare, nutrition, STEM education and vocational training while also tackling barriers affecting access to education, especially for girls.

She stressed the importance of building an inclusive society where no child is excluded because of gender, ethnicity, religion, social status or background.

During the ceremony, winners of the National Essay and Science competitions received cash rewards, laptops and tablets in recognition of their outstanding performances.

The overall winners were awarded a grand prize of N1 million, while second and third-place winners received N500,000 and N250,000 respectively.

Tinubu said the awards were designed to encourage creativity, innovation and excellence among young Nigerians.

“Your thoughtful ideas and creativity demonstrate that the future of Nigeria is bright and full of promise,” she added.

Earlier, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed that the Federal Government was reviewing and modernising key child protection policies, including the National Child Policy of 2009.

She explained that the reforms would strengthen child adoption procedures and improve protection systems to address emerging challenges such as digital exploitation, trafficking, mental health concerns and cross-border adoption complexities.

According to the minister, the updated framework would ensure stronger safeguards, due process and a more child-centred justice system aligned with global best practices.

Development partners at the event also called for greater investment in children’s welfare, education and health.

Representatives of UNICEF, the World Bank and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency stressed that Nigeria’s growing child population makes sustained investment in child development critical for the country’s future peace, stability and economic growth.