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Children’s Day 2026: CAN Urges Urgent Action To Protect Nigerian Children From Fear, Violence And Neglect
Joel Ajayi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) joins millions of Nigerians in marking Children’s Day 2026 with gratitude for the lives, dreams and immense potential of Nigerian children, while also expressing deep concern over the growing threats confronting children across the country.
In a statement signed by the Christian Association of Nigeria President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on Wednesday in Abuja stated that, this year’s celebration comes at a painful moment for many families following recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen, leaving parents traumatised and communities shaken. The incident has once again raised troubling questions about the safety of children and the future of education amid worsening insecurity across the nation.
CAN expresses deep concern over the plight of children still held in captivity and the emotional trauma being endured by their families. No child should experience fear, violence or uncertainty in a place meant for learning, protection and hope.
The Association is equally worried about the teachers caught in these tragic situations alongside their pupils. Teachers do far more than deliver lessons in classrooms; they guide, nurture, encourage and protect the children entrusted to their care. In many respects, they serve as guardians and second parents to the young lives they help shape.
The reality of teachers facing fear and uncertainty while trying to protect their pupils should weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation.
A society where parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety cannot claim to be securing its future.
Beyond insecurity, millions of Nigerian children continue to battle poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and inadequate access to quality education and healthcare. These challenges continue to rob many children of the stability, dignity and opportunities they deserve.
CAN therefore calls on governments at all levels and security agencies to treat the protection of schools and children as an urgent national priority. Children must never become victims of a failing security system or recurring targets of criminal violence.
The Association further urges leaders to recognise that every attack on a school weakens public confidence, undermines national development and leaves emotional scars capable of shaping the future of an entire generation.
Parents, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, schools, media organisations and community leaders must also work together to safeguard children, strengthen moral values and create environments where young people can grow and thrive without fear.
To every Nigerian child living under difficult conditions or in communities affected by insecurity, CAN encourages you not to lose hope. Your lives matter, your dreams are valid and your future deserves protection, support and opportunity.
As the nation commemorates Children’s Day 2026, may this occasion inspire a renewed sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to build a Nigeria where every child can live, learn and grow in peace, safety and dignity.
The Christian Association of Nigeria remains committed to advocating justice, responsible leadership and policies that safeguard the welfare and future of every Nigerian child.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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