By JUSTINA AUTA

The Federal Government has unveiled the “FutureNow” podcast, an inclusive space for Nigerian boys and girls to articulate their realities, share their stories, and shape national discourse in their own authentic voices.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this at a high-level intergenerational dialogue with adolescent girls, on Friday in Abuja.

The dialogue, themed, ” Her Voice, Her Power,” is part of activities to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day activities.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed the need to end child exclusion and expand opportunities for every Nigerian child through inclusion, digital literacy, social protection and family strengthening initiatives.

This, she said would thrive and contribute to national discourse and development.

“This initiative will serve as an inclusive space where Nigerian boys and girls can articulate their realities, share their stories, and shape national discourse in their own authentic voices,” she said.

The minister emphasised the need for investments to go beyond physical protection to include psychosocial wellbeing, emotional resilience, and character development, ensuring that children grow whole, confident, and capable.

“We recognise that when we deliberately listen to children, when we give them space, trust, and dignity of expression, we nurture confidence, identity, and agency.

“Our vision is not abstract: it is to raise boys who grow into empathetic allies, and girls who mature into strong, principled, and compassionate leaders.

“This conception of strength is not aesthetic or superficial; it is rooted in agency, integrity, and purposeful leadership,” she said.

Also, Joshua Anar, Director of Programme Operations, Save the Children Nigeria, urged stakeholders to take deliberate actions to ensure that no child is left behind-regardless of gender, disability, background, or location.

“Save the Children remains committed to supporting efforts that promote accountability, inclusion, and meaningful child participation across Nigeria,” she said.

Ms Ritarilla Barick of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, while emphasising their commitment to assisting vulnerable children, called for intentional systems and policies that ensured real opportunities for the most vulnerable girls.

“What this moment calls for is deliberate, rights-based investment in the protective systems, community structures, and enabling environments.

“This will give every child, regardless of the circumstances of her birth, an equal claim to her own future,” she said.

Ms Muriel Mafico, Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stressed the need to create safe spaces and opportunities for every child to thrive.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other highlight of the events include children and adolescents girls interactive sessions and panel discussions with Nigeria Children’s Parliament, amongst others. (NAN)

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