26/05/2026
The 2026 International Children’s Day celebration, a national programme usually marked every 27th of May, was celebrated today, 25th May 2026, in Nasarawa State due to the forthcoming Sallah celebration scheduled for 27th May. The Ministry deemed it necessary to celebrate the occasion earlier.
The event, which took place at Lafia Township Stadium, attracted parents, guardians, teachers, and students from various primary and secondary schools across the state.
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Princess Margaret Elayo, commended the Ministry for organizing the historic event.
He described the occasion as a solid reminder of the collective responsibility to protect, nurture, educate, and empower every child in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large. According to her, Children’s Day is set aside to celebrate the innocence, dreams, creativity, resilience, and limitless potential that every child represents.
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, he noted that the future Nigerians desire begins with deliberate decisions made today. She stressed that every child matters and no child should be left behind because of poverty, disability, gender, language, social status, religion, geographical location, or any other circumstance.
The governor appreciated the Ministry for carrying persons with disabilities along during the celebration, emphasizing that they are seen, valued, and honoured.
“As a government, every child deserves equal opportunity to learn, grow, dream, and ultimately succeed. Among these children, I can see future governors, ministers, lawyers, and leaders who will impact the entire world,” she stated.
Engr Sule encouraged the children to remain disciplined, respectful, hardworking, and focused, while urging them to stay away from violence, crime, drug abuse, cultism, and other negative influences capable of destroying their future. She further advised them to embrace education, innovation, and good character, adding that learning is a continuous process of growth.
The Governor also called on parents, guardians, teachers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to work together in ensuring children grow with dignity and confidence. She noted that a neglected child today may become a burden to society tomorrow, while an empowered child becomes a blessing to the nation.
“Let us renew our commitment towards building a Nasarawa State where every child is valued, protected, and empowered,” she added.
In her speech, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Barr. Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, described children as the bedrock of society and the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.
She stated that for children to actualize the great future envisioned for them, society must create an enabling environment where no child feels marginalized, unheard, or left behind.
According to her, the celebration is not just a day of pageantry, fun, and merriment, but also a clarion call to action for all stakeholders to intensify efforts towards building a protective and equitable society where the rights of every child are safeguarded.
Barr. Hauwa Samuel Jugbo further disclosed that Governor Abdullahi Sule recently approved the release of funds for the pilot launch of the School Menstrual Pad Bank Initiative in selected secondary schools across the state.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) also sensitized students on the dangers and effects of drug abuse, reminding them that society looks up to them as leaders of tomorrow. The Agency urged the students to shun drugs and embrace positive values to become better individuals in life.
Highlights of the event included a colourful match past by participating schools, while awards were presented to schools that emerged first, second, and third positions respectively.
Thereafter, the celebration continued at the Children’s Home, where parents and guardians joined children in the orphanage home for further festivities. The children were entertained with music and dance, while gifts were presented to them as part of the celebration.