From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating Children’s Day 2025, Abia State chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ifeanyi Ogbonna, popularly known as ‘Ignes,’ has extended warm felicitations to Nigerian children while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his proactive policies aimed at child welfare.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the occasion themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Ogbonna emphasized the critical need to protect the rights of children and create an environment where they can thrive without fear, discrimination, or abuse.
“With heartfelt joy, I congratulate our dear children on today’s Children’s Day, an international holiday that has been officially observed in Nigeria since 1964,” he stated.
Ogbonna stressed that beyond the celebrations, Children’s Day is a “clarion call” to rededicate national efforts toward securing a sustainable future for young Nigerians.
He harped on the necessity of quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and equal rights as foundational elements for child development, in line with the United Nations’ resolution on children’s welfare.
The Abia APC stalwart lauded President Tinubu for directing a comprehensive review of key legislation the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to enhance protections and close implementation gaps.
“I also commend the President’s child feeding initiative through the Nutrition 774 programme and the School Feeding Scheme, which are vital to improving child health and cognitive development,” Ogbonna added.
Speaking in line with this year’s anti-bullying theme, Ogbonna called for a united front against all forms of abuse including bullying, child labour, exploitation, and molestation. “All hands must be on deck to put an end to these threats,” he said.
From his constituency in Arochukwu, Ogbonna pledged to continue contributing to the protection and upliftment of children, acknowledging the socio-economic and security challenges they face.
“There is hope for a just society where every child can feel secure, grow in peace, access quality education and healthcare, and have the enabling environment to pursue their dreams and contribute productively to national development,” he concluded.