A non-governmental organisation that teaches and mentors children and young adults on leadership and life values; Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), is hosting over five hundred (500) children from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, in a four-day National Children Leadership Conference in Abuja, to mark the 2023 International Children’s Day
Tagged with the theme: ‘Rebuilding Nigeria through investment in children’s education, welfare and security’, the conference will feature leadership training for participants, children’s parliamentary session, competitions, exhibitions, talent shows, awards and much more in the line-up of activities.
In a press statement, the founder and President of CALDEV, Honourable Bamidele Salam, stated that: “The National Children Leadership Conference 2023, organized by CALDEV in partnership or support with several organization, provides a national convergence platform to give Nigerian children the opportunity to express their God-given talents and innovative skill; contribute their aspirations to Nigeria’s democratic governance and policies; as well as learn ethical values on national unity, national loyalty, leadership and a sense of belonging in government affairs.”
Expressing her expectations for the conference, 13 year old gold medal gymnast, Stephanie Ogechukwu Onusiriuka, said the conference is a platform to showcase her skills and abilities.
“I am here to showcase my talents and skills and also to encourage other children to be confident,” she said.
Also speaking with journalists, another participant, Mary Daniel, expressed her gratitude to the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), who have given her the opportunity to attend the conference.
“I am from Borno state, but living in an IDP camp in Abuja. I really want to thank NCFRMI and CALDEV for giving me this opportunity. I have never experienced a thing like this. As we arrived, I was registered, given a school bag with writing materials, t-shirts, a cap, and very good food,” She said
Also giving remarks, Adegboye Imnen, a student of Focus High School, Lugbe, Abuja, said he loves the positive energy of students in the conference and hopes to thrill other participants with his musical skills.
Public figures slated to attend and speak in the course of the event are the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, the founder/ CEO, Guardians of the Nation International Centre, Dr Linus Okorie and the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Adewunmi Onanuga.
Others are the Deputy Chairman, the House Committee on Air Force, Ojuawo Adeniyi; a motivational speaker, Dr Sabeeha Hussein; the Project Coordinator of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Oluwatosin Oyetayo; among others.
Also, the wife of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Tajudeen Abbas; the First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; the First Lady of Niger State, Fatima Mohammed Bago; the First Lady of Yobe State, Gumsu Abacha-Mai Mala Buni, will be honoured respectively with awards for promoting child rights.
CALDEV is a non-governmental and non-profit organisation founded in 2015 by the current member of the National Assembly representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun state, Bamidele Salam.
It was established to teach and mentor children and youths for the development of better citizenship, leadership, and nationhood.
