‘We Will Overcome’: Oluremi Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Pray as Insecurity Heightens Child Safety Concerns
As insecurity lingers across parts of Nigeria, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring safety, amid growing child protection and safeguarding concerns linked to kidnappings, banditry, and attacks on vulnerable communities.
She made the remarks in Ado Ekiti during a meeting with traditional rulers as part of her one-day working visit to Ekiti State. She said efforts were ongoing to strengthen internal security and international cooperation, though operational details could not be disclosed.
From a child protection perspective, her comments come at a time when schools and children remain highly exposed to security threats in several regions. Recent incidents of school abductions have heightened national anxiety about the safety of learners, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The First Lady described the insecurity situation as painful but urged Nigerians to remain hopeful. She stressed that government is working continuously to address the crisis and protect lives and property. She also called for unity and prayers as part of national healing and recovery efforts.
Child safeguarding advocates continue to raise concerns about the impact of insecurity on education continuity and child wellbeing. Repeated attacks on schools have disrupted learning, increased dropout risks, and exposed children to long-term psychological harm.
Traditional rulers at the engagement urged stronger legal and structural reforms. They called for accelerated consideration of state policing and stricter punishment for those involved in kidnapping networks. These proposals reflect growing pressure for decentralised and community-based protection systems.
The First Lady also highlighted empowerment initiatives targeting youth, traders, and vulnerable groups under the Renewed Hope Initiative. However, stakeholders insist that without improved safety in schools and communities, broader development efforts may remain limited in impact.
As insecurity persists, attention continues to shift toward strengthening child protection frameworks and ensuring safer environments for learning and development across the country.
