First Lady urges collective action to protect children from sexual abuse

First Lady’s Call for Collective Action Against Child Sexual Abuse

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a powerful appeal for unified national action to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, emphasizing that safeguarding the nation’s future requires more than rhetoric, it demands evidence-based policies and coordinated efforts.

On November 18, 2025, during the commemoration of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, the First Lady addressed Nigerians with a message that was both urgent and sobering. She reminded the nation that child protection cannot be achieved through good intentions alone. Instead, it requires deliberate, informed strategies guided by accurate data, research, and sound policymaking.

The theme of this year’s observance, “Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making,” underscores the importance of grounding interventions in research and measurable outcomes.

Mrs. Tinubu stressed that every child deserves to grow up free from fear and harm, and that this responsibility must be shared across all sectors of society. She called on government agencies, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and young people to work together to create a protective environment where children can thrive.

Her remarks highlight a critical truth: sexual abuse of children is not just a private tragedy but a national crisis that undermines the moral and social fabric of society. By urging collective responsibility, the First Lady reframed the issue as one that requires systemic solutions rather than isolated interventions. She emphasized that Nigeria must intensify its efforts to ensure that protective structures are not only established but also effectively implemented.

The editorial significance of her call lies in its insistence on moving beyond symbolic gestures. Too often, public discourse on child protection is dominated by expressions of concern without the necessary follow-through.

Mrs. Tinubu’s appeal challenges this pattern, demanding that stakeholders commit to concrete actions such as strengthening legal frameworks, improving data collection, expanding awareness campaigns, and ensuring that survivors receive adequate support and healing.

Her message also resonates with the broader global movement to confront child sexual abuse, reminding Nigerians that this is not a problem confined to one community or nation. It is a universal challenge that requires vigilance, compassion, and collaboration.

By situating Nigeria’s efforts within this global context, the First Lady reinforced the urgency of aligning national policies with international best practices.

Ultimately, the First Lady’s intervention is a clarion call to conscience. Protecting children is not optional; it is the foundation of a just and secure society. Her words remind us that silence and inaction perpetuate harm, while collective resolve can break cycles of abuse and restore hope. If Nigeria heeds this call, it will not only safeguard its children but also secure the integrity of its future.