Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged all sectors of society to unite in building a safer environment for children, as the world marks the 2025 World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse on November 18.

In her message commemorating the day, the First Lady stressed that protecting children requires more than expressions of concern. Real progress, she said, depends on coordinated, evidence-driven action supported by accurate data, research, and sound policymaking.

She emphasized this year’s theme, “Strengthening the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse Through Evidence-Based Policy Making,” noting that Nigeria must step up efforts to ensure that every child can live and grow without fear or harm.

“Protecting children must go beyond words and good intentions. It demands informed action guided by accurate data, research, and sound policies,” Senator Tinubu said.

She called on government agencies, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and young people to recognize their collective responsibility in preventing abuse, supporting survivors, and ensuring accountability at all levels.

“As a nation, we must ensure that every child grows up free from fear and harm,” she said. “I call on all stakeholders to work together to create a protective environment where children feel safe to thrive.”