THE Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Saturday organised a vibrant and engaging Children’s Day celebration, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to child welfare, inclusion, education and the protection of children’s rights.
Held under the theme, “Future Starts Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Child,” the event took place at the Ahmadu Bello Hall, New Secretariat, Dutse, and attracted a large gathering of children, parents, educators, government officials, community leaders and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza T. Abdulwahab, said the annual celebration was not only meant to commemorate Children’s Day but also to recognise the rights, contributions and future roles of children in society.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barrister Hauwa Zakar, the commissioner said: “The purpose of today’s event is not only to commemorate Children’s Day but also to present gifts and entertain our children, recognising their rights and roles in society.”
She explained that although Children’s Day is traditionally celebrated on May 27 every year, the 2026 edition was postponed to allow families fully participate in the Eid-el-Kabir festivities. According to her, the adjustment ensured that families could enjoy both important occasions without conflict.
Barrister Zakar reiterated the Jigawa State Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of women and children through various initiatives, including the enactment of the Child Protection Law aimed at safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring their wellbeing across the state.
She also disclosed that the government has established Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training centres to equip women and children with modern skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.
According to her, these initiatives are critical to building a stronger future for the younger generation.
“We believe that by equipping our women and children with skills, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in our community,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary further called on parents to take greater responsibility in the upbringing of their children by closely monitoring their activities, education and overall welfare.
“It is imperative that we nurture our children into responsible, productive members of society. Their future is in our hands,” she stressed, urging families and communities to work collectively towards the proper development of children.
The celebration featured a wide range of activities designed to educate, inspire and entertain participants, including cultural performances, educational games and motivational talks.
Several stakeholders also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of education, inclusion and social support systems in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Among the notable speakers were Abdullahi Dabo, Director of Schools for Nomadic Education, and Khalid Mohd, Director of Social Welfare. Both officials spoke passionately about the role of education and social support structures in creating an environment where children can reach their full potential.
Also speaking, Fatima Abdullahi of Save the Children reinforced the message of inclusion and collective responsibility in child development.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to education and opportunities,” she said.
The event brought together students from different schools, representatives of government agencies, non-governmental organisations and community groups, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of children in Jigawa State.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to selected students by the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the commissioner, symbolising the government’s recognition of children as the leaders of tomorrow.
The atmosphere remained festive throughout the programme as children enthusiastically received gifts, participated in various activities and shared joyful moments with friends, teachers and guests.
Beyond the celebrations, the 2026 Children’s Day event served as a reminder of the continued efforts required to build a brighter and more inclusive future for every child. It also underscored the need for parents, educators, policymakers and community members to work together in nurturing the next generation and ensuring that all children receive the support, opportunities and protection needed to succeed in life.