Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima will open the 2025 National Children Leadership Conference in Abuja. The event is organised by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), Rep. Bamidele Salam (PDP‑Osun) told reporters at a news conference.
The week long conference will host more than 400 young participants from across Africa. It will run under the theme “The Role of Children in Nation Building: Digitally Smart, Socially Responsible.” The aim is to give children basic leadership skills, digital know‑how and a sense of civic duty.
Rep. Salam, who founded CALDEV and chairs the House Committee on Public Accounts, said the programme will include leadership sessions, digital skills workshops and activities that promote civic engagement. He was represented at the briefing by Dr. Chibuzor Okereke, the conference consultant.
Founded in 2015, CALDEV focuses on mentoring young Africans to become value‑based leaders and champions for children’s rights. Salam said the initiative believes Africa’s future depends on the values and vision taught to today’s children.
This year’s conference will coincide with Universal Children’s Day on November 20. Delegates will include youths from Zambia, Gambia, Uganda and Ghana, which organisers say will help promote unity and cultural exchange.
Salam said the NCLC targets young people aged 13 to 19 and has become a key programme for developing their leadership skills. He added that CALDEV has reached over 1,000 children in Nigeria, offering mentorship and support for community projects led by youth.
Events planned for the conference include a book launch, a Children’s Parliamentary Session, Digi‑Skills Workshops, public speaking and problem‑solving challenges, Early Achievers Awards, and visits to the National Assembly and the National Assembly Library.
Other dignitaries expected at the opening include First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
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