LAGOS – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has issued an urgent call for a national commitment to protecting children and schools, as insecurity continues to threaten education across Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday at the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja, the governor condemned the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a painful indicator of growing violence against the education sector.
“This Children’s Day arrives during a period of national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue to suffer the devastating consequences of violent attacks,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen safeguards for schools and learning environments nationwide. He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, and that governments at all levels must establish stronger frameworks to shield schools from criminal attacks.
Rights to education and safety
Speaking on the theme of the celebration, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must be upheld through deliberate national policies.
“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed to children today. Every government must guarantee that schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.
Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.
Commitment to safe schools
Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme – ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights’ – focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities.
He noted that week-long activities, including youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services, and a children’s parade rally, were designed to inspire students and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.
“Listen to the future. Stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities, while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.
Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools and inclusive learning, adding that the annual Children’s Day celebration also serves to promote enrolment into public primary schools and publicise registration drives for primary one admissions as part of the state’s educational development campaign.