Senator Oluremi Tinubu has awarded cash prizes, laptops and tablets to outstanding Nigerian students and young innovators during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration held at the State House in Abuja.
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria presented N1 million to top winners at the event, while second-place winners received N500,000 and third-place winners got N250,000 each. Laptops and tablets were also distributed to children who participated in the programme to support learning and digital development.
The event, which focused on inclusion, education and innovation, brought together students, government officials, development partners and child advocates from across the country.
Speaking during the celebration, Senator Oluremi Tinubu encouraged Nigerian children to remain focused on their dreams and refuse to allow their background or present environment limit their future.
She said the decision to hold the celebration earlier than the usual May 27 date was because Children’s Day this year coincides with the Eid El Kabir celebration.
“Celebrating them ahead of the annual Children’s Day on 27th May, which coincides with Sallah celebration this year, shows the importance we place on the children of this nation,” she said.
Speaking on the 2026 Children’s Day theme, “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” the First Lady said every Nigerian child deserves equal access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital opportunities and a safe environment to grow.
“It calls on us to create a society where no child is left behind regardless of gender, background, ethnicity, religion, or social status,” she stated.
She also told the children that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is investing in programmes aimed at improving child welfare, education and opportunities for young Nigerians through the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Mr. President is investing in your education, health, child nutrition, child rights, and protection. He is removing barriers to education for the girl child, expanding vocational and STEM opportunities, and ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu congratulated winners of the National Essay Competition and young innovators who showcased ideas and projects during the programme.
“Your thoughtful ideas and creativity demonstrate that the future of Nigeria is bright and full of promise. Remain focused on your education, embrace discipline, respect, and love for country,” she added.
One of the major highlights of the event was the Science and Technology Exhibition organised by students and pupils from public schools. Several young participants displayed innovations and creative ideas focused on technology, problem-solving and community development.
The programme also featured an Early Childhood Development interaction session between the First Lady and children present at the event.
Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Suleiman, said the Federal Government is strengthening child protection and welfare policies across the country.
According to her, the ongoing review of the Child Rights Act (2003), which has already been domesticated in all 36 states, is aimed at improving child protection and addressing emerging challenges affecting children in the digital age.
“The ongoing review seeks to strengthen enforcement, close emerging protection gaps, and align Nigeria’s child protection framework with evolving digital realities and global best practices,” she said.
She added that the government’s vision is to raise children who are innovative, disciplined, confident and globally competitive.
UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Wafaa Abdulatef, praised Nigerian children for their creativity and called on adults to pay more attention to children’s voices beyond ceremonial celebrations.
“Let us listen to the children. Not only during this Children’s Day, but also every day,” she said.
Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mathew Verghis, described Nigerian children as the country’s greatest asset and urged continuous investment in education and early child development.
Also speaking at the event, Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, said the government remains committed to improving child nutrition and access to essential healthcare services across Nigeria.
The 2026 National Children’s Day celebration placed strong attention on education, digital inclusion, innovation and child development, with cash rewards and learning devices becoming one of the biggest highlights of the event.
