First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has issued a strong call for national unity across all sectors to create a safer, more protective environment for Nigerian children, warning that child protection demands more than just rhetoric.
In a message marking the 2025 World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse (commemorated on November 18), the First Lady stressed that tackling this scourge requires coordinated, evidence-based actions supported by accurate data and sound policymaking.
She highlighted this year’s theme, “Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making,” and urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to ensure every child grows up free from fear and harm.
“We are reminded that protecting children must go beyond words and good intentions. It demands informed action, guided by accurate data, research, and sound policies,” Senator Tinubu stated, underscoring the shift required from goodwill to measurable strategies.
She called on a wide range of stakeholders including government institutions, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and young people—to recognize their shared responsibility in preventing abuse, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability at all levels. “As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she appealed.
Beyond the profound humanitarian and social cost, economists point out that the failure to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse carries a significant, long-term economic burden.
The trauma of abuse often leads to chronic mental and physical health issues, reduced educational attainment, lower productivity, and increased reliance on social services throughout a survivor’s life. This translates directly into substantial costs for the healthcare system, lost human capital, and reduced Gross Domestic Product (GDP) potential.
Experts argue that investing in evidence-based prevention and robust support systems is not merely a social expenditure but a crucial economic investment. Protecting children ensures they grow into productive, healthy adults, maximizing their contribution to the national workforce and economy. The First Lady’s call for data-driven policies is seen as essential for targeting resources efficiently, turning what is currently a severe societal burden into a foundational element of Nigeria’s future economic strength.
