27/05/2026
Today, as we mark Children’s Day in Nigeria, I celebrate every Nigerian child with deep love, hope, and unwavering commitment. Yet, as a safeguarding advocate, child protection professional, and Founder of [Saffron Social Development Global Foundation (SaffronSDGF)
Children’s Day should be a day filled with joy, laughter, protection, dreams, and hope for the future. However, for too many children across Nigeria, childhood is increasingly being overshadowed by fear, violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, kidnappings, insecurity, and preventable deaths.
In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed heartbreaking incidents involving children:
Mass kidnappings of schoolchildren and attacks on educational institutions.
The abduction of children from orphanages and vulnerable care settings.
Increasing reports of killings, displacement, violence, and trauma affecting innocent children and families across communities.
Ongoing safeguarding failures that continue to expose children to abuse, exploitation, neglect, and harm.
These realities remind us that safeguarding children must move beyond conversations and ceremonial celebrations. Nigeria urgently needs:
Stronger safeguarding and child protection policies
Effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms
Child-focused legislation and accountability systems
Greater investment in early intervention and prevention
Safer schools and communities
Multi-agency safeguarding structures
Increased child welfare funding and services
Professional safeguarding workforce development
Stronger advocacy and awareness programmes
Community-based protection initiatives
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive support systems
At SaffronSDGF, through our flagship initiative, Safeguarding the Nigerian Child, we remain committed to advocating for a Nigeria where every child is protected, valued, heard, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive safely.
We strongly believe that: Every Child Counts. Every Child Matters. Every Child Deserves Protection.
Today is therefore not only a celebration — it is also a call to action.
We call upon government institutions, policymakers, schools, faith organisations, NGOs, safeguarding professionals, community leaders, parents, diaspora communities, and all stakeholders to unite in building a safer Nigeria for children.
We look forward to the day Nigeria fully establishes and enforces a comprehensive National Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy that prioritises prevention, protection, accountability, rehabilitation, and the long-term wellbeing of every Nigerian child.
Despite the challenges, we remain hopeful.
To every Nigerian child today: May you grow in safety, peace, good health, wisdom, confidence, love, protection, opportunity, education, happiness, purpose, and fulfilment. May your voices be heard. May your dreams flourish. May your future be brighter than our present. May you live free from fear, abuse, violence, and neglect. And may Nigeria become a nation where every child can truly thrive.
Happy Children’s Day to every Nigerian child.... We celebrate each one of you!👏🏼❤️💐🥳🎊✨️
Signed,
Opeyemi Ebulu-Eyuruntari
Founder/Principal Consultant
[Saffron Social Development Global Foundation (SaffronSDGF)
Initiative Lead: Safeguarding the Nigerian Child ✨
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