Children’s Day Celebration: Amb. Akintayo Advocates for More Social Welfare Packages for Children in Marginalised Communities
As Nigeria marks the 2025 edition of Children’s Day, renowned humanitarian and social rights advocate, Ambassador Akintunde Akintayo, has called for increased social welfare intervention for children living in marginalised communities across the country.
In a special press statement to commemorate the day, Amb. Akintayo emphasised the urgent need to prioritise vulnerable children who are often left out of essential government policies, development programmes, and access to basic rights such as healthcare, education, and protection.
“Children are the heartbeat of any nation, and how we treat our most vulnerable is a reflection of our collective values,” Amb. Akintayo said. “Far too many children in remote, rural, and impoverished areas are still struggling to access education, adequate nutrition, safe shelter, and basic healthcare. This must change.”
Recent reports from UNICEF show that nearly 50% of children in Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty, with millions lacking access to safe water, sanitation, and education. Amb. Akintayo said this alarming statistic is a call to action for federal, state, and local governments to invest more in child-focused social welfare policies.
He urged key stakeholders to implement:
• Free and accessible healthcare for children in low-income families
• School feeding programmes in rural and IDP communities
• Mobile clinics and learning centres for hard-to-reach areas
• Psycho-social support for orphaned and abused children
• Social protection and cash transfer programmes targeted at children
Amb. Akintayo also praised frontline NGOs, volunteers, and educators working across Nigeria to bridge the gap in child welfare delivery, calling on corporate organisations and private individuals to support initiatives that promote child development and equity.
“We must build a future where every Nigerian child, regardless of background, has a fair shot at life. That begins with meaningful investment in their welfare today,” Amb. Akintayo concluded.
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