The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated all Nigerian children, acknowledging them as the heartbeat of the nation.
She made this statement during the launch of the special Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Additional Financing to States, and the AGILE Games Award Ceremony, held at the State House, Abuja. The event was organized to coincide with the commemoration of Children’s Day 2025.
Senator Tinubu highlighted the importance of the World Bank-financed AGILE project, which is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children and ensuring that the girl child remains in school. She said the initiative is a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to making education a pillar of national development.
“Every child represented here today has demonstrated what is possible when opportunity meets support,” the First Lady remarked.
“You all have shown us that the good seeds planted are already bearing fruit.”
She encouraged the children present to take full advantage of the opportunities given to them, regardless of whether they received awards at the event.
“I seize this opportunity to say to every child here: whether or not you receive an award today, you are all champions,” she said.
The First Lady also acknowledged the vital role played by leaders at all levels:
“To our governors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, I thank you all. Your leadership is crucial in mobilizing communities, encouraging school enrolment, and championing girls’ education. Let us continue to stand united in this shared vision.”
Senator Tinubu took the opportunity to announce two upcoming programmes under her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI):
1. The Environment Club for secondary school students and The Environment Society for tertiary institution students – both focused on promoting environmental sustainability through clean-up campaigns and tree planting.
2. “Flow with Confidence”, a programme targeted at adolescent girls in rural communities, which will provide a year’s supply of disposable sanitary pads to support them in staying in school during their menstrual cycles.
“To our dear students, please go to school and complete your education. Staying in school and excelling in your studies will give you the knowledge and skills you need for a good future. Never stop believing in what you can achieve,” she encouraged.
In his remarks, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the AGILE initiative as a landmark effort that deepens Nigeria’s national commitment to education.
“In the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, we believe education is not just a human right—it is a national security imperative. This is why every textbook is a brick in the foundation of peace and prosperity. Every school meal is an act of social justice. And every trained teacher is a guardian of our collective future,” he said.
Also speaking, the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Taimur Samad, described AGILE as the second-largest project funded by the organization globally. He noted that with two-thirds of Nigerian girls dropping out before completing their education, AGILE aims to reverse this trend by supporting over 50 million students.
Governors of Borno and Taraba States, representing their colleagues, reaffirmed the commitment of state governments to prioritizing the education of the girl child.
The event featured the presentation of awards to winners of the AGILE Games across various categories. A touching moment came when a special needs child, Awelewa, presented a painting to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a gesture of appreciation.
