First Lady Remi Tinubu’s African Child Day Message Ignores Abducted Schoolchildren In Oyo, Borno

The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16th to honour the 1976 Soweto student uprising in South Africa.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Tuesday, issued a message to commemorate the 2026 Day of the African Child, but made no reference to the schoolchildren and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State, nor to the students kidnapped from a school in Borno State, whose plight continues to trouble Nigerians.

The Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16th to honour the 1976 Soweto student uprising in South Africa.

The continental theme for this year’s occasion is "Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for every child in Africa," highlighting the critical need for clean facilities to support education, health, and dignity.

In a statement released on Tuesday to mark the Day of the African Child, the First Lady focused on the African Union's 2026 theme, while calling for improved access to basic amenities and healthier environments for children across the continent.