By Comfort Olayinka
The Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV) has announced the highly anticipated National Children Leadership Conference (NCLC) 2024, which is set to take place from Sunday, November 17 to Thursday, November 21, in Abuja. This year’s event, themed “Empowering Young Voices, Building a Legacy for Sustainable Development”, promises to be a transformative gathering of young leaders from across Nigeria, with a clear focus on national cohesion, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Hon. Bamidele Salam, Founder and President of CALDEV, highlighted the conference’s goal of nurturing the leadership potential of children aged 12 to 17, fostering patriotism, and encouraging youth participation in civic and national governance. The event, which will coincide with the global observance of Universal Children’s Day on November 20, will feature a series of engaging sessions, including leadership workshops, skills acquisition, panel discussions on child rights, mentorship opportunities, and educational tours.
Key dignitaries such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbass, Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will grace the event, delivering powerful speeches and mentorship sessions to inspire the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
The NCLC 2024 will also spotlight Early Achievers,exceptional young Nigerians who have excelled in various fields, including Ashezi Akwashiki, a 10-year-old author and education advocate, Sheun Ayomide Samuel, a 16-year-old innovator, and Maxwell Anyanwu Munachinso, a 15-year-old ICT consultant and AI specialist. These youth role models are set to inspire their peers, showcasing the power of determination and purpose in shaping the future.
Hon. Bamidele emphasized that the NCLC is not just a conference, but a call to action for Nigerian children to actively engage in building a future of leadership, integrity, and service. He also acknowledged the continued support of partners and sponsors, while calling on the media to help amplify the importance of this event in shaping the leadership landscape of Nigeria.
With the conference set to be the largest and most diverse children’s leadership program in Africa, CALDEV’s mission to invest in the leadership development of African children has gained momentum, positioning them as change agents in their communities, schools, and beyond.
“The 2024 conference has been designed and internationally curated to be impactful. This is part of the global efforts to bring to the front burner issues bothering on the plight of the children all over the globe. CALDEV is also using this conference to commemorate the 2024 Universal Children’s Day which normally holds on 20th November of each year.”
As Amb. Chibuzo Okereke, the project coordinator, noted, the mock parliamentary session during the conference will give young participants a unique opportunity to engage in legislative practices, debate national issues, and even influence policy discussions—an initiative that underscores the critical role of youth in Nigeria’s governance and national development.
The NCLC 2024 is set to be a pivotal moment in shaping the next generation of leaders, instilling in them the values of discipline, service, and compassion that will drive the nation forward.
Miss Joy Alagbemi, a passionate girl-child advocate, expressed her honor and excitement about being part of the National Children’s Leadership Conference (NCLC).
“This conference aims to nurture children into great leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to shape Nigeria’s future.” According to Miss Alagbemi, initiatives like NCLC make Nigeria’s future look bright, as children are being prepared for greatness.
