Oluremi Tinubu presents N1m prizes to children, unveils protection reforms

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday presented cash prizes, laptops and tablets to winners of the national essay and science competitions during the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Abuja.

The event, organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development under the theme “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” brought together government officials, development partners and schoolchildren to spotlight child welfare, education and inclusion.

Top winners in the competitions received N1 million each, while second and third-place winners were awarded N500,000 and N250,000 respectively. Organisers also distributed laptops and tablets to children at the event to support digital learning and innovation.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Tinubu said the celebration was a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a society where every child has access to opportunities regardless of background.

“Today is not only a celebration of our children, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to build a nation where every child is valued, protected, educated, and given the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

The First Lady said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was investing in children’s education, healthcare and protection through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality education, healthcare, protection, digital skills, and a safe environment where they can reach their full potential,” she added.

Mrs Tinubu also urged children to remain focused on education and patriotism, encouraging them not to allow their circumstances limit their ambitions.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, used the occasion to announce plans to strengthen Nigeria’s child protection framework and modernise policies addressing child welfare and adoption.