News Investigators/ The Lagos State Government is strengthening child protection laws and support systems to safeguard children from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, gave the assurance at the 2025 Children’s Day celebration with the theme, ‘Children: Our Future and Our Responsibility’, on Tuesday.
Mrs Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
The event held on Tuesday in Ikeja.
Mr Sanwo-Olu said, “You are the pride of Lagos. Let your dreams soar, we are here to support you every step on the way.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing and protecting children as well as recognising them as the nation’s greatest asset.
“The theme reminds us all of the vital role our children play in shaping the destiny of our great state and nation.
“We acknowledge our responsibility to create opportunities, address challenges, and provide resources for our children’s growth.
“Keeping in mind our desire for the growth, development and protection of children and being mindful that our impact on the lives of children affects not just the children but the nation as a whole, we have implemented projects to see our desires become a reality,” he said.
The governor said that his administration would continue to invest in modern classrooms and digital learning tools.
He also said his administration would establish new schools and teacher training programmes to ensure that every child, regardless of background, would have access to world-class education.
Sanwo-Olu listed some notable initiatives of his administration as free education, school feeding programme, upgrading of school infrastructure and improvement in healthcare services.
He added that his administration had implementated and enforced child protection policies and organised skill acquisition and vocational training programmes to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in children.
“We have also institutionalised empowerment of our young adults to become positive additions to the society in the areas of civic service, innovation, and leadership through the creation and operation of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the responsibility of raising and guiding children was a collective one.
“It is one that involves parents, teachers, community leaders and every member of the society.
“Together, we must instil in our children, the values of honesty, respect, hard work and compassion.
“We must encourage them to dream big, to ask questions, and to believe in their limitless potential.”
He reiterated that state government fully sponsored registration of 56,143 students in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination as part of its comprehensive education support strategy.
The state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, urged education stakeholders to collaborate with the government to break barriers to education healthcare, and the general well-being of children.
Mr Alli-Balogun said that investing in children would be investing in Nigeria’s future.
He said that Lagos State had remained committed to creating an enabling environment for every child to have access to quality and free education in spite of background or ability.
“As we celebrate these children today, let’s recommit to creating a world where every child can thrive, learn and grow – a world where their rights are respected, voices are heard, and futures are bright.
“Let us reflect on our responsibilities toward our children and work together to build a better future for them,” the commissioner said.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, expressed concern at the menace of drug abuse and cultism among the youth.
Mr Ogunlende said there was need for youths to shun vices.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education had organised activities such as youth forum/career talk, debate and cultural displays to celebrate 2025 Children’s Day.
NAN