Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, celebrated the 62nd edition of Children’s Day in Nigeria with a grand finale at the Police College Ground, Ikeja, gathering representatives from 5,662 schools across the state.
The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of Lagos children, echoing the celebration’s theme: “Children: Our Future and Our Responsibility.”
In his keynote address, delivered by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Abimbola Salu Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the critical role children play in shaping the destiny of Lagos State and the nation.
He highlighted that the annual Children’s Day celebration, first observed in Nigeria in 1964, serves as a testament to the intentional commitment to child welfare.
“This administration reaffirms this commitment to nurturing and protecting children, recognizing them as our greatest assetGovernorrnor Sanwo-Olu stated.
“We also acknowledge our responsibility to create opportunities, address challenges, and provide resources for our children’s growth.”
The governor detailed significant strides made by his administration in enhancing quality education, improving healthcare services, and establishing safe spaces for children.
He reiterated the government’s sustained investment in modern classrooms, digital learning tools, establishment of new schools, and robust teacher training programs, aimed at ensuring every child has access to world-class education.
Furthermore, he noted the strengthening of child protection laws and support systems to safeguard children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Notable initiatives highlighted by the governor include free education programs from early childhood to senior secondary level, school feeding programs, extensive upgrading of school infrastructure, improved healthcare services and child support systems, implementation and enforcement of child protection policies, operation of skill acquisition and vocational training programs to foster entrepreneurial spirit, the establishment of parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities across the state to enhance children’s mental and physical well-being.
Shining a spotlight on education, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the administration’s substantial investment in the payment of external examination fees for students, including the registration of 56,143 students for the ongoing 2025 WASSCE in Lagos state.
He also mentioned the launch of the “Eko Learners’ Support Initiative,” designed to boost academic success for Senior Secondary School students through 320 lessons across 10 subjects, broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) and various online platforms.
The governor also underscored the institutionalisation of empowerment programs for young adults, such as the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, aimed at nurturing civic service, innovation, and leadership skills.
Despite these achievements, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that the responsibility for nurturing children was a collective duty, extending beyond the government to include parents, teachers, community leaders, and every member of society.
“Together, we must instill 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 said.
Addressing the children directly, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “You are the pride of Lagos state. You are loved, cherished, and celebrated. Never stop believing in yourselves. Let your curiosity lead you, let your kindness shine, and let your dreams soar. The future belongs to you, and we are here to support you every step of the way.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Ali Balogun, welcomed attendees, emphasising the ministry’s week-long efforts in organising the celebration and reinforcing that “our collective future depends on the well-being, education, and nurturing of our children into better citizens.”
He lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his significant investments in the state’s education sector.
