By Solomon OKPO
As Nigeria joins the international community to commemorate the 2025 edition of International Children’s Day, the International President of IBIYODED, Prince Asanga JP, has issued a goodwill message saluting Nigerian children and reaffirming their central role in national development.
In a statement marking the global observance, Prince Asanga described the occasion as a celebration of the “innocence, creativity, and boundless potential” that children represent. International Children’s Day, observed globally between May 27 and June 1, typically features educational programs, recreational activities, and renewed advocacy for children’s rights and welfare.
“This special day is not merely about festivities; it is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child,” Prince Asanga stated.
He stressed the importance of inclusive education, access to quality healthcare, and protection from all forms of abuse as non-negotiable priorities in shaping a future where every child thrives.
The 2025 national theme, “Little Steps, Big Future,” highlights the cumulative impact of small, consistent efforts toward nurturing the next generation. Since its formal declaration as a public holiday for schoolchildren in 1964, Children’s Day has been commemorated nationwide with parades, cultural displays, and outreach by civil society groups and voluntary organizations.
Prince Asanga praised international partners such as UNICEF and Save the Children for their sustained advocacy and support for vulnerable children around the world, especially in underserved communities.
“Children’s rights are human rights,” he affirmed. “Protecting and empowering them is not optional—it is the bedrock of any just and forward-looking society.”
Expressing hope that the celebration would rekindle national focus on child-centric policies and leadership grooming, Prince Asanga concluded with a message of encouragement:
“Happy International Children’s Day to all our beloved children. May this day inspire in each of your joy, resilience, and a clear path to purpose.”
