The 2025 National Children Leadership Conference (NCLC), organised by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), officially commenced today with the arrival, registration, and meet-and-greet session for participants.
The week-long conference has drawn more than 400 young Africans from across the country, all converging to develop leadership capacity under this year’s theme: “The Role of Children in Nation Building: Digitally Smart, Socially Responsible.”
Representative Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, who is also the founder of CALDEV, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to raising value-driven young leaders.
He noted that the conference is designed to equip children with essential leadership competencies, digital skills, and strong social values that will empower them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking with some of the participants, many expressed their excitement and hopes for the transformative week ahead.
Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Umar from Borno State, a student of Shallara Secondary School, said he was looking forward to a programme that would be impactful, educative, and fun, adding that he hoped to learn skills that would shape his journey as a young leader.
Also, Hephzibah Emmanuels from Ogun State, a student of Daises Academy, shared that he hoped to gain practical leadership knowledge and other valuable skills that would prepare him for future responsibilities.
Another young leader from Tiijani Bolori Memorial Day Secondary School in Borno State, Maryam Yakubu Ishaku expressed her joy for being part of the conference, noting that she looked forward to learning how to become a better leader and inspire those around her.
With high expectations and enthusiasm among participants, the 2025 NCLC is set for a week of learning, inspiration, and leadership-building experiences for Africa’s future leaders.
