The Federal Government of Nigeria has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the future of Africa’s children.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, delivered a keynote address at the Regional Meeting of Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Abuja.
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Imaan urged all participating nations to deepen their collective resolve to combat violence against children in all its forms, physical, sexual, emotional, and structural.
“Africa is rising in innovation and enterprise, but our progress will remain incomplete if we do not protect our most vulnerable the children,”
The Minister described violence against children as betrayal of shared humanity and a threat to national security.
The Minister highlighted the shared responsibility of “pathfinding nations” under the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.
She emphasized that while progress has been made, pervasive abuse, neglect, trafficking, and harmful traditional practices continue to rob African children of their dignity and future.
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She stressed the need for Stronger legal and policy frameworks aligned with global conventions,Integrated child protection services accessible across urban and rural settings.
Inman noted that Preventive strategies, including community sensitization, parenting support, and school-based safety initiatives will go a long way in safeguarding children Aginst all forms of oppression.
The Minister presented The Nigeria Concept, a strategic framework developed under the Ministry of Women Affairs that aligns with the Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the National Development Plan 2021–2025.
“This roadmap is designed to Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment,Advance child protection, participation, and development and Embed inclusive policies that respond to the needs of vulnerable populations”
She hinted that , Further aligning with international obligations including the SDGs, CEDAW, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child the plan integrates child protection into humanitarian responses, particularly in conflict-affected zones, with a focus on trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, and access to education.
A key highlight was the over 1000% budgetary enhancement approved by Mr. President, which has enabled structural reforms, public-private partnerships, and the establishment of the Child Protection Knowledge and Data Center a landmark facility to track, analyze, and respond to cases of violence against children.
“This reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment made at the First Ministerial Convening on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogotá, and gives practical expression to the Renewed Hope Agenda for children,” she noted.
The Minister emphasized that no country can end violence against children in isolation.
She called for Regional policy harmonization,Cross-border child protection frameworks and Joint funding strategies.
“Let us speak with one voice at the African Union. Let us place children at the heart of our development agenda,” she urged.
The event was launched by the Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima who represented the President.
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This regional meeting marks a critical step toward galvanizing African unity around child protection and elevating the voices and rights of children across the country.
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