By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, PAC, Bamidele Salam has tasked parents on the upbringing of their children.
Salam noted that the future of Africa depends on the quality of values and vision they instill in their children
The lawmaker said this ahead of the 2025 National Children’s Leadership Conference NCLC, organised by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative, CALDEV, in Abuja, yesterday.
He noted that the upcoming event, which is a flagship programme of CALDEV, would hold from November 17-21 in Abuja.
Represented by Chairman of the Planning Committee for NCLC 2025, Dr Chibuzo Okereke, Salam announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are among the dignitaries expected to grace the conference.
Other dignitaries expected at the four-day event include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke; and the Director-General of Nigerian Citizens and Leadership Center, Miss Rinsola Abiola.
Salam also disclosed that the conference, with the theme: ‘The Role of Children in Nation Building: Digitally Smart, Socially Responsible,’ would empower young Africans with leadership skills, digital literacy and a deep sense of social responsibility.
He said the 2025 edition would bring together, over 400 participants between the ages of 13 and 19 across the continent for an extraordinary experience of learning, leadership and community development.
The grand finale of the conference will coincide with the Universal Children’s Day on November 20, symbolising CALDEV’s commitment to advance the rights and voices of children as active contributors to nation-building.
This year’s edition will also expand its reach to include participants from Zambia, Gambia, Uganda and Ghana, promoting unity, collaboration and cultural exchange among African children and youths.
The conference will also feature a series of engaging and transformative sessions, including a book launch titled ‘The Power of a Teenager: 50 Ways to Inspire Change, authored by Salam; children’s parliamentary session that will allow participants to showcase their legislative and leadership skills; and a variety of breakout sessions focused on digital skills such as artificial intelligence, video editing, graphics design and the use of Microsoft Office tools.
Other highlights will include public speaking training, community problem-solving challenges, outdoor exercises and excursions to the National Assembly and its library, as well as the inspiring ‘Leader in the Making’ segment.
