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.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, has hinted that the 2027 general elections might be his last shot at running for the presidency. In a video that’s now making rounds on social media, Obi spoke about age and Nigeria’s political structure as reasons he may not stay in active politics beyond 2027. His media aide, Umar Ibrahim, confirmed the clip was recent.

Obi explained that there should be a retirement age in politics and noted that he’ll be 65 by the next election. He also pointed out that if power shifts to the North in 2031, it may not come back to the South until 2039, by which time he would be 77 — an age he believes is too late for another presidential run.

He said he wouldn’t want to contest at that point because it would go against everything he believes in. Still, he assured young Nigerians of his continued support. Obi said even if he’s not running, he’ll be fully behind any youth-led movement for real change and will offer any help he can.