CHRISTIAN ABURIME
The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, today joined thousands of children, parents, and stakeholders at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka to commemorate the 2026 National Children’s Day Celebration.
The event, themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” served as a powerful call to action for the protection, education, and holistic development of the younger generation.
Representing His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Soludo delivered the presidential address to the nation’s children. Standing before the assembly on behalf of the President, Governor Soludo emphasized that the strength of Nigeria’s future relies entirely on the deliberate choices made for its children today.
“Inclusion must be the moral foundation of national development,” Governor Soludo stated while channeling the President’s national vision. “Every single Nigerian child deserves the dignity of belonging, regardless of their background, gender, or physical ability.”
Speaking on the federal framework, the Governor conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that the current administration is actively listening more attentively to the voices, opinions, and aspirations of children. He re-emphasized a national commitment to building an inclusive governance structure that accounts for the inputs of children, ultimately shaping their lives and steering the destiny of the country toward sustainable growth.
Governor Soludo further noted from the presidential speech that social development must remain at the very center of national advancement. However, he maintained that government action alone is insufficient, reminding the public that a child’s development cannot be separated from the stability, morals, and safety of the home.
Governor Soludo enthusiastically celebrated Anambra’s children, declaring that the narrative of tomorrow must be rewritten because “the future is now.”
He reiterated his administration’s “Solution” mandate, which ensures that no child in Anambra State is marginalized or left behind. The Governor highlighted the state’s massive strides in providing quality, accessible education and structured social safety nets designed to give vulnerable children and children living with disabilities an equal playing field.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, delivered a comprehensive welcome address.
Mrs Onyekesi extended a warm welcome to the global and local community on behalf of the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo. She took the opportunity to highly commend Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the Wife of the Governor, for her relentless contributions through the Ministry and the Nonye Soludo Healthy Living Initiative, which has drastically improved the welfare, nutrition, and well-being of children across the state.
Reaffirming the timely nature of the 2026 theme, the Commissioner outlined the ministry’s strict stance against societal ills, stamping out child abuse, child trafficking, child labor, and street hawking by minors, inter-Agency Collaboration, among others.
Turning her attention to the parade ground, Mrs. Onyekesi addressed the children directly:
“Today is your day. You are intelligent, creative, resilient, and full of promise. Do not allow negative influences to distract you from your dreams. Anambra State is counting on you to become our future leaders, innovators, and responsible citizens.”
The historic celebration at the Alex Ekwueme Square featured a colorful march-past by various schools across the state, and specialized presentations by children’s groups.
The event was attended by Wife of the Governor, Dr.(Mrs) Nonye Soludo, Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and wife, State Executive Council members, among others.
