Government agencies, civil society organizations, religious institutions, educators, media practitioners, community leaders, and other stakeholders have been called upon to work together to ensure that the 2025 National Children’s Week achieves a landmark success.
This call was made in a joint press release issued by the National Coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN) Nigeria, Mr. Sanni Olakunle, and the Oyo State Coordinator, Dr. Rose Odigbo, at the instance of the official flag-off ceremony of the 2025 National Children’s Week held by the Oyo State chapter of CPN.
The 2025 celebration, themed “Tapping the Untapped Natural Treasure,” is organized by the Child Protection Network Nigeria and in collaboration with the National Children’s Parliament (NCP).
“As Nigeria prepares to commemorate National Children’s Day on May 27, the Oyo State Chapter of CPN proudly leads the flag-off of the 2025 National Children’s Week in partnership with the National Children’s Parliament,” the statement read.
According to the release, CPN Oyo, in collaboration with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, is currently implementing a family-strengthening project that focuses on establishing and building the capacity of community- and school-based Child Protection Committees and Clubs across the state.
This initiative underscores the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.
“The 2025 edition of National Children’s Week introduces a newly institutionalized, week-long annual event aimed at placing children at the center of Nigeria’s development agenda. The theme highlights the immense but often overlooked potential of Nigerian children, describing them as a vital foundation for the nation’s future,” the statement added.
The celebration also amplifies the call for May 27 to be officially recognized as a national public holiday, allowing families to fully engage in the festivities and affirming the value and dignity of childhood.
“Together, let us amplify children’s voices, defend their rights, and unlock their full potential—because every child is a treasure worth nurturing,” the statement urged.
Goals and Objectives of the 2025 Children’s Week is aimed to reach and educate 10 million Nigerians—both children and adults—on issues related to child rights, protection, education, and development.
Key Activities (May 21–27, 2025):
May 21 (Day 1): Official flag-off, media briefings, and advocacy visits to key government offices across the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary arms.
May 22 (Day 2): Educational outreach in schools, promoting awareness on child rights, protection laws, mental health, and overall well-being.
May 23 (Day 3): Mosque outreach and sensitization within Islamic communities, with child protection messages integrated into Friday congregations.
May 24 (Day 4): Community and market engagement with grassroots outreach in markets, garages, parks, and with traditional leaders. Focus on local child protection strategies.
May 25 (Day 5): Church outreach and engagement with Christian faith-based institutions, focusing on moral upbringing and safe environments for children.
May 26 (Day 6): Social media live sessions across platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Meet.
May 27 (Day 7): Nationwide media appearances and participation in state-led Children’s Day events to foster unity and collective impact.
The organizers called on youths, parents, and community stakeholders to actively participate in the nationwide celebration.
They also encouraged widespread support and participation from government and international organizations, including: UNICEF Nigeria / @UNICEF Global, Save the Children Nigeria / International, UNESCO, Plan International Nigeria, World Vision International, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria / International, ChildFund Nigeria, Terre des Hommes, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.
Others are Federal Ministry of Education, National Orientation Agency, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), ECOWAS Commission for Social Affairs and Gender, United Nations Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, CLEEN Foundation.
