The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns about the worsening insecurity and declining economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. This was a key point during the PDP’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja. The party also said it would carefully consider the South-East caucus’s resolutions at a special meeting scheduled for June 30, 2025. The NEC meeting, which faced several delays before finally taking place, focused on urgent issues affecting the country and the party.

In a statement read by Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, the PDP criticized the current government for what it called growing insecurity, economic struggles, and widespread corruption. The statement described the Tinubu-led administration as exploitative and out of touch with the people’s needs. It condemned inconsistent policies, corruption, budget misuse, and the loss of investor confidence, which have led to a decline in Nigeria’s infrastructure.

The PDP also accused the government of trying to weaken opposition parties by intimidating politicians and undermining democratic institutions. Despite these challenges, the party reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the people’s right to freely participate in a multi-party political system. The PDP made it clear that it will continue to stand against any moves to limit Nigeria’s democracy or create a one-party system.

As children across Nigeria mark World Children’s Day, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on parents and guardians to steer their children away from cultism and other harmful influences. In his message to celebrate the day, Governor Okpebholo congratulated children in Edo and beyond, recognizing the day as a special moment to honour their energy, innocence, and promise as future leaders.

He restated his government’s strong commitment to their well-being, highlighting plans to give every child access to quality education and an environment that helps them grow and succeed. “Our children are our greatest treasure,” he said. “Their dreams hold the key to a brighter tomorrow for our state. We are fully invested in protecting their rights, supporting their talents, and giving them the tools to thrive.”

He listed several efforts aimed at uplifting children in Edo, especially in education.

The Governor emphasized the ongoing reconstruction and renovation of public schools and reminded the public about his administration’s earlier declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector. Okpebholo also stressed the need to protect children from abuse and exploitation, saying the state is actively working to enforce child protection laws and improve access to learning.

Also, he warned against the dangers of cultism and violence, promising that his government would continue to create safe and empowering opportunities for young people. The Governor added that every child, no matter their background, deserves a fair shot at success and pledged to keep investing in resources that help them grow academically, build skills, and play positive roles in society. He encouraged parents, teachers, and caregivers to keep guiding children with good values, encouraging them to dream big and aim high.

Governor Okpebholo ended his message by urging children across Edo to stay focused on education and to believe in their ability to achieve greatness, promising continued support from his administration every step of the way.

President Bola Tinubu has spoken out strongly against bullying in Nigerian schools, calling it completely unacceptable. In his message to children on National Children’s Day 2025, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” he emphasized that a child who learns or grows up in fear cannot thrive properly.

He shared worrying statistics, noting that worldwide more than one in three children face bullying regularly, and in Nigeria, as many as 65% of school-age kids have experienced some form of physical, emotional, or social abuse. Addressing the children directly, President Tinubu expressed pride in Nigeria’s young generation, calling them the heart of the nation’s future and its next leaders and innovators.

He mentioned his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerian children and outlined several important policies aimed at their safety and well-being. Tinubu reiterated the government’s duty to safeguard every child’s rights and dreams. He described this year’s theme as perfectly timed to promote a culture where children feel safe, valued, and heard—both offline and online. The President affirmed that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in modern Nigeria.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, his government is fully focused on child protection, including implementing Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030). This plan sets out clear steps to prevent abuse, bring perpetrators to justice, and support victims, backed by strong funding and coordination.

The government is also reviewing key laws like the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Act to strengthen protections, close loopholes, and ensure these laws work everywhere. President Tinubu pointed out that the Cybercrime Act is also being used actively to fight cyberbullying and online exploitation of children.