Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has urged citizens to intensify efforts toward safeguarding children's rights and eradicating child labour, stressing that every child deserves access to education, safety and opportunities for growth.

In a message marking the 2026 World Day Against Child Labour on Friday, the First Lady called for collective action to protect children from exploitation and ensure they are provided with environments that support their development.

The annual observance, held on June 12, carries the theme, “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.” According to Tinubu, the theme serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold the rights and welfare of children across the country.

She emphasised that access to education remains fundamental to national development, warning that societies that fail to protect their children and educational institutions risk jeopardising their future.

Tinubu said no child should be forced into labour at the expense of their education, personal development or aspirations.

“Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Children should be in schools, homes and safe recreational spaces, not subjected to conditions that rob them of their future,” she stated.

The First Lady further called on governments, communities, parents and stakeholders to strengthen support systems that promote children's welfare and reduce the economic pressures that often drive child labour.

She stressed the need for sustained investments in education, family support programmes and community development initiatives that would enable children to thrive.

Reaffirming her commitment to child protection, Tinubu urged Nigerians to unite against all forms of child exploitation and work towards building a society where every child can enjoy a safe and promising future.

World Day Against Child Labour was established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2002 to raise global awareness about child labour and mobilise efforts aimed at ending the practice worldwide.