The Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), will honour Nigerian youths who have displayed excellent feat in their careers with Young Achievers Awards at its upcoming National Children Leadership Conference.
CALDEV is a Non Governmental Organisation that teaches and mentor children and young adults on leadership and life values.
Bamidele Salam, founder and President of CALDEV, stated this at a news conference to unveil plans and programmes for the event on Monday in Abuja.
He said the theme of the conference; ‘Rebuilding Nigeria through Investment in Children’s Education, Welfare and Security’ will have over 500 children and youths in attendance from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
“The National Children Leadership Conference 2023, organised by CALDEV in partnership with several organisations will provide a platform to enable them express their God-given talents and innovative skills.
” They will also contribute their quota to Nigeria’s democratic governance and policies as well as learn ethical values on unity, loyalty, leadership and a sense of belonging in government affairs.
“The Conference will enable children between the ages of 12 to 17 to be taught purposeful leadership, training, mentoring, knowledge sharing capacity building, competitions, networking and collaboration.
“Consequently, this conference is designed as a deliberate policy by CALDEV and its partners to celebrate the Universal Children’s Day; a day set aside by the United Nations to celebrate children and also discuss issues that bothers on their welfare,” he said.
Salam said the conference will feature activities like leadership training; children parliamentary session; children’s dialogue on values, national unity, and loyalty. Others are children’s financial literacy session; panel discussions; quiz competition; children’s film and books exhibitions; art exhibitions, book presentations and awards among others.
He explained that the young achievers award is a flagship component of the conference designed to celebrate teenagers who have shown excellence in their various endeavour and inspire others to work hard.
“We are not only bringing together children, but also give awards to those who have made remarkable impact in terms of winning global laurels and has made Nigeria proud. Children who have made impact in the area of technology, innovation, sport, STEM education among others.
“Participants for this conference are children who have shown leadership capabilities in their schools, clubs and other platforms. They will engage with policy makers from government, engage with ministers, legislators and people who occupy various offices,” he said.
” A crucial segment of the conference will be dedicated to children’s financial literacy in order to educate them on prudence and accountability in managing both personal and public funds.
“We have discovered that financial literacy is a big issue among Nigerians, and our generation has lot of imbalance in people planning economic wellbeing.
“We believe that if we mentor these children to be knowledgeable about money, it will be better for us, and the session will be moderated by a bank” he said.