Children’s Day 2025: Hon. Blessing Onuh Calls for Tougher Laws on Child Abuse

*Promises Bigger Otukpo Carnival , Boost for Girl-Child Education

As Nigeria joins the global community to celebrate the 2025 Universal Children’s Day, Honourable Blessing Onuh, the member representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called for stricter laws and tougher penalties against those who abuse or violate the rights of children, especially minors.

In a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja, Hon. Onuh described children as the nation’s most valuable asset and emphasized the need to safeguard their future. Reflecting on the 2025 theme “Little Footsteps, Big Future,” she said it captures the enormous potential in every child and should inspire adults to nurture that potential with care and intentionality.

“As a mother and aspiring grandmother, I celebrate Nigerian children today. Since childhood, May 27 has always brought me joy. Now, I see it as a day to reflect, recommit, and fight for a future where every child is protected and given the tools to succeed,” she said.

The former Secretary of Social Development in the FCT Administration expressed concern over the rising incidence of sexual violence and abuse of minors, insisting that perpetrators must face the full weight of the law. “Those who assault children must not go unpunished. We must protect our nation’s future,” she declared.

Hon. Onuh also made a passionate appeal to governments at all levels to prioritize investment in education, especially for the girl child. “Gone are the days when girls were only seen as destined for domestic work or early marriage. Today, girls are rising to lead, innovate, and transform their societies. More funding should be directed toward their education,” she said.

She reaffirmed her dedication to the children of her constituency and announced plans to expand the Otukpo Children Carnival, a signature annual event she sponsors. “Last year, we celebrated the 17th edition with great success. This year’s 18th edition, by God’s grace, will be bigger, better, and more impactful for our children,” she said.

Hon. Onuh also praised the leadership of the National Assembly for its support of child-focused legislation and lauded the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for her dedication to the welfare and protection of Nigerian children. “Her unwavering commitment to child rights is truly commendable,” she added.

She ended her message with words of encouragement to Nigerian children: “Hold on to your dreams. Study hard. Stay focused. The future belongs to you—and it can be as big and beautiful as you believe it to be.”