STAND FOR HUMANITY FOUNDATION
PRESS RELEASE
66 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE: STAND FOR HUMANITY FOUNDATION URGES NIGERIAN AUTHORITIES TO PRIORITIZE THE SAFETY, DIGNITY AND FUTURE OF EVERY CHILD
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Stand For Humanity Foundation, joins citizens across the country and Nigerians in the diaspora in commemorating this significant national milestone.
Independence is not only a reflection of a nation's political journey. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the kind of society we are building for generations yet unborn.
On this occasion, Stand for Humanity Foundation calls on the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Government Authorities, security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, communities and all relevant child-protection stakeholders to make the safety, dignity, welfare and development of children a sustained national priority.
Children represent one of Nigeria's greatest national assets. Their protection should therefore not be treated as a secondary social concern, but as an essential component of national development and human security.
A child who grows up exposed to violence, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking, harmful practices or other forms of abuse carries consequences that can extend far beyond childhood.
As Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence, we believe that the true measure of national progress must also include the extent to which the country is able to protect its most vulnerable citizens and create an environment where every child can grow in safety, receive quality education, access appropriate healthcare, and develop their full potential.
The Foundation therefore urges Nigerian authorities at all levels to strengthen practical mechanisms for preventing and responding to child abuse.
This should include stronger implementation and enforcement of existing child-protection laws; improved coordination among relevant institutions; effective investigation and prosecution of cases of abuse; child-sensitive justice processes; stronger social welfare systems; accessible reporting and referral mechanisms; and adequate support for survivors.
We further call for sustained investment in child protection personnel, social workers, specialised investigators, judicial institutions, schools and community-based protection structures, particularly in areas where vulnerable children face heightened risks.
The Foundation also encourages authorities to strengthen public awareness programmes that enable parents, teachers, religious leaders, traditional institutions, community leaders and children themselves to recognise abuse, understand reporting channels and respond appropriately.
The responsibility for protecting children cannot rest with government alone.
Families, schools, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, traditional institutions, professional bodies, the media and individual citizens all have important roles to play.
Communities must become safer environments in which children can speak about abuse without fear, victims can seek help without stigma, and perpetrators are not protected by silence, influence or social pressure.
The Foundation particularly encourages Nigerians to reject the culture of silence that can allow abuse to continue unchecked.
As we celebrate our independence, Stand for Humanity Foundation believes that every Nigerian child deserves the opportunity to experience a childhood free from violence, exploitation, abuse and neglect.
A nation cannot fully realise the promise of its independence if its children remain vulnerable to circumstances that deny them safety, dignity, education and hope.
Our independence anniversary should therefore renew our collective commitment to building a Nigeria where children are not merely described as leaders of tomorrow, but are protected, heard, educated and empowered today.
Stand for Humanity Foundation remains committed to working with government institutions, civil society organisations, professionals, communities and other stakeholders to promote human dignity, child protection, social responsibility and a safer society for all.
On this 66th Independence Anniversary, we call on every Nigerian to make child protection a shared national responsibility.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.
Chibueze Ekechi
Director, Media and Publicity.
October 1, 2026.