As nations across the globe commemorate International Children’s Day today, May 27, 2025, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the South-West and Chairman of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has called on Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritize investment in infrastructure that directly benefits children.
Ajadi, in a statement released to mark the special day, emphasized that the true measure of a nation’s commitment to democracy is reflected in how well it nurtures and protects its youngest citizens. According to him, “Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are active citizens of today whose rights, welfare, and education must be prioritized if Nigeria truly wants to move forward.”
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He said many children in Nigeria still face serious challenges, including poor access to quality education, inadequate healthcare, unsafe living conditions, and child labour. He urged both federal and state governments to invest significantly in educational infrastructure, public health systems, and safe recreational spaces to give Nigerian children a chance to thrive.
“In countries with strong democratic values, children enjoy free and quality education, health care services, and the basic amenities needed for growth and development. We cannot continue to celebrate Children’s Day with mere words and festivities. We need action. We need commitment,” Ajadi stated.
Children’s Day, which originated from the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1925 and later recognized universally by the United Nations, is a reminder of the shared responsibility governments and societies have toward the youngest members of their communities. While many developed countries celebrate the day with events showcasing advancements in child welfare, Nigeria still battles widespread child poverty, out-of-school children, and preventable diseases.
Ajadi, a vocal advocate of youth empowerment and education, also used the opportunity to commend the resilience of Nigerian children despite the country’s many socio-economic difficulties. “It is heartbreaking to see millions of children with dreams and potential walk long distances to schools without roofs, sit on bare floors, or fall ill due to lack of clean water or basic medical care. The government must see this as a call to conscience,” he said.
He added that democracy should not only be defined by elections and political activities but by the visible dividends that reach every citizen, particularly the most vulnerable.
Ambassador Ajadi, who also runs philanthropic initiatives through Bullion Records and other personal foundations, has previously sponsored educational outreach programs and advocated for greater youth participation in policy-making.
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He reiterated his Children’s Day message with a call to action: “Let us build a Nigeria where every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education, nutritious food, clean water, and a safe environment. That is the only way we can build a new Nigeria we all dream of.”
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As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in marking Children’s Day, stakeholders, policymakers, and civil society organisations are being reminded that the celebration should go beyond pageantry. The future of Nigeria, many say, hinges on how well the country takes care of its children today.
