Kaduna State has renewed its call for a more effective system that safeguards, educates and supports children, emphasizing that their well-being must remain a top priority.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), made the appeal on Thursday during the 2025 World Children’s Day commemoration in Kaduna.
The event, themed “My Day, My Rights,” was part of UNICEF’s Global Day of Action marking the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the occasion provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to creating an environment where children could learn, grow and express themselves freely.
She noted that the administration of Gov. Uba Sani remained dedicated to translating children’s rights into actionable policies and programmes across the state.
According to her, the ministry is strengthening community child-protection systems, expanding access to quality education, and improving social welfare services.
She added that efforts were also ongoing to support children with disabilities and enhance programmes on health, nutrition and early childhood development.
Salisu encouraged parents, teachers, communities and policymakers to play active roles in ensuring safer and more inclusive spaces for every child.
“The true strength of any nation lies in how it protects its most vulnerable,” she said.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr. Gerida Birukila, said this year’s celebration came at a time when children’s rights were increasingly threatened by insecurity, climate-related crises and shrinking resources.
She raised concerns over widespread violence against children in Nigeria, noting that about 90 per cent had experienced some form of violence.
Birukila referenced the Nigerian Child 2025 Report, which revealed significant challenges: nearly half of Nigerian children live in income poverty, 70 per cent of households lack safe drinking water, and major indicators such as newborn and maternal mortality remain high.
She added that 10.2 million primary school-age children and 8.1 million secondary school-age children were out of school, describing the numbers as deeply troubling.
With half of Nigeria’s population under 18, Birukila stressed the need for policies that prioritise safety, education and health for all children.
The state Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of giving children correct information about their rights and discouraging misinformation.
He said Kaduna had reopened more than 500 schools previously shut due to insecurity as part of the state’s peace-building efforts aimed at ensuring safe learning environments.
Maiyaki applauded the participation of pupils from various schools, saying their presence reflected the positive impact of the government’s investment in public education—through improved infrastructure, better welfare for teachers and enhanced training.
He reminded stakeholders that child rights were backed by both the UN Convention and the Kaduna State Child Protection and Welfare Law of 2018.
Maiyaki urged journalists to promote accurate, responsible reporting on child issues and said the ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, would train reporters on child-rights reporting.
He stressed the importance of monitoring budget implementation, especially in the education sector, where millions of children still remain out of school, with the majority from the northern region.
The event also showcased performances and presentations by pupils from several public schools in Kaduna, who shared their understanding of child rights and expressed hopes for quality education, security and brighter opportunities.
Participating schools included Sheikh Gumi Primary School, Association of Orphanage Home, Army Children School, Unguwan Sarki Primary School and Research Model School, among others.
With strong collaboration and sustained advocacy, speakers expressed optimism that more children across the state would enjoy safer spaces, better education and opportunities that allow them to thrive.