Tinubu Committed to Investing in Children Despite Challenges, Says Bagudu
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government maintains that the future of Nigeria’s children remains promising, despite the current challenges, including the recent abduction of students in Kebbi State.
This assurance was given by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, on Thursday at the World Children’s Day celebration organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Abuja.
His remarks were made against the backdrop of the Monday abduction of students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Masagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Senator Bagudu assured the audience that President Bola Tinubu remains dedicated to investing in the future of the Nigerian child.
“I want to assure our children that despite the challenge of the moment, a great future lies ahead of them. We want them to be better than all of us,” the Minister stated firmly. He added, “Our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is an advocate for investment in children and teacher education. He is committed to giving them the maximum support they need to develop.”
The Minister requested a minute’s prayer for the abducted students and for children in captivity across the globe. He called for a united global action against the abduction of children, stating that such acts “should be seen as an attack on humanity.”
Bagudu conveyed President Tinubu’s deep sorrow and concern over the Kebbi incident, explaining that it had led the President to cancel several domestic and international engagements to focus attention on the recovery efforts.
“Our children are our future. When a child is threatened, it is not just a national issue—it is a global concern. The world must come together to say no to acts of violence against children,” he stressed, noting that the Maga incident serves as a sad reminder of worldwide hostility against children, which includes school shootings in other countries.
Speaking to the celebration’s theme in Nigeria, ‘The Future of Nigeria’s Children: Vision, Voices and Action,’ the Minister urged national and international stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding children, improving access to quality education, and prioritising investments in child welfare.
Bagudu stated that education involves more than just enrolment figures; it must focus on the quality of learning. He specified that digital tools—such as tablets, smartphones, and online libraries—are essential resources that can provide children with access to knowledge, provided that equitable access is guaranteed.
“Every child should have the opportunity to learn, regardless of where they live or their circumstances,” he said.
The Minister also called for a united international stance on security, stating that no country can address modern threats to children alone. He mentioned Nigeria’s contributions to regional stability and global peacekeeping, suggesting that innovative technologies, including drones and intelligence-sharing, could help prevent future incidents and locate missing children.
“Support from the global community is not a weakness; it is solidarity,” he added.
Directing New Resources to Child Welfare.
Senator Bagudu pointed out the positive effect of recent macroeconomic reforms, saying they have increased funding to the federal, state, and local governments. He strongly urged citizens and leaders to ensure that these resources are directed toward programs that directly benefit children, including education, school safety, and welfare initiatives.
In closing, the Minister called on all Nigerians and global partners to make children a shared priority. “We must unite—families, communities, governments, and international partners—to ensure every child is safe, educated, and empowered. This is our collective responsibility,” he concluded.
