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School prefect praises govt’s efforts, urges peers to “aim high”
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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has announced a new policy focus on boys, saying they must be nurtured as “pillars” of homes and the nation.
Speaking at the ministry’s Family Picnic in commemoration of International Day of Families 2026 and International Day of the Boy Child, held at Harrow Park, Abuja, the minister told families and children that the government would roll out boy-focused programmes alongside ongoing women and girls’ initiatives.
“All you hear about is women and girls. We’ve left our boys behind, not anymore,” she said, adding that the ministry is “coming up with the boy policy.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described boys as central to family stability and national development. “You guys are all special,” she told boys at the event. “Our boys are very dear to our heart, and I’m glad that we’re doing a double celebration… Continue to be good boys, protecting girls, good ambassadors of Nigeria. Continue to dream big, because there’s a lot of opportunities on the land.”
The minister framed the initiative within the administration’s broader social agenda, noting President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of 2026 as the “year of the family and social development. Mr President has prioritised the family unit,” she said. “This is unprecedented. It’s in recognition of the role family plays in nation building. He has given governance a human face.”
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The minister promised child-friendly programmes would roll out so young Nigerians would “begin to enjoy those things,” and urged parents to bond more with their children. “Next year we’ll start from 8am and we’ll be here till 6pm, so that we do proper family bonding,” she said, proposing an annual family day that promotes stronger family ties and better health and education outcomes.
Addressing parents, the minister acknowledged the difficulties of balancing work and family life. “Weekends are for sleeping, because you spend the whole week working. Thank you for making time to come bond and have fun with our children,” she said, thanking ministry staff and the First Lady for their support.
At the family picnic event, boys took turns to commend the government’s efforts on issues concerning Nigerian children.
Andre Murphy Daniels, prefect of Kadokuchi Junior Secondary School, stole the spotlight with a heartfelt address thanking the ministry and President Tinubu even as he urged his fellow children to aim high.
Daniels, who spoke directly to Sulaiman-Ibrahim and the gathering of parents, officials and children commemorating International Day of Families 2026 and the International Day of the Boy Child, said: “I really appreciate all you have been doing for the families in Nigeria, because I really feel what makes up Nigeria is the families. I really thank you that you have really put a lot into families. As far as I am concerned, you are the only Minister of Women Affairs whose name has been banging everywhere. Actually, the only Minister of Women Affairs that I’ve actually heard of, that is how much you have impacted on our society.”
Daniels, who spoke on behalf of the children at the event, acknowledged the challenges of public service and defended the administration against critics. “I know it’s not easy. For those people that are saying the president didn’t do anything, you won’t understand,” Andre said, noting that in his seemingly small position as a school prefect, it had been tough on him managing his colleagues. He urged his peers to recognise efforts being made and to remain hopeful about the country’s future.
