By Mercy Aikoye
President Bola Tinubu has expressed commitment to the development of children in Nigeria. He made this commitment at the launch of a book titled “The Power of a Teenager: 50 Ways to Inspire Change”.
The book was written by Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, House of Representatives. Salam is also the Founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV).
President Tinubu commended Salam for his dedication to youth development. “You may not fully understand the impact of what you are receiving now, but tomorrow you will see what Hon. Bamidele Salam has done in your lives,” he said.
Tinubu urged all attendees to make a personal commitment to shaping the minds of young Nigerians. He stressed that while Salam funded the initiative personally, the greater task lies in mentoring and guiding the nation’s youth.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, described the launch as a clear demonstration of the potential of Nigerian children. “This initiative speaks directly to the leaders of tomorrow,” he added.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, lauded Salam’s efforts. “Nigerian children are the future of this nation. Even though they are young, we are looking to them to take this country to where it should be,” he said.
Gbajabiamila commended Salam for consistently producing the book annually. “Leadership may be inborn or thrust upon you, but there must be someone to guide you. That is what this book is doing—it provides the guidance our young people need,” he said.
Rep. Salam shared the story of how CALDEV was founded in 2015 to fill a gap in Nigeria’s educational system. “Leadership training is rarely embedded in the curriculum,” he said.
Through CALDEV and its flagship National Children’s Leadership Conference, children gain practical exposure to leadership, public speaking, and community service.
Many past participants have gone on to start NGOs, run radio programs, and lead campaigns addressing social issues. “This year, about 400 children are participating, and the impact has been phenomenal,” Salam said.
Salam urged state governments to replicate the initiative at the state level. “Properly trained and nurtured children could become agents of change,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the large participation from Borno State, Salam said that properly trained children can promote peace, tolerance, education, and societal development.
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, lauded Rep. As members of the House of Representatives, we hold our heads high today that one of us is doing this,” he said.
Chinda noted that the legacy of leaders and thinkers is remembered not for wealth but for wisdom and the knowledge they left behind. “When we see initiatives like this, these are the things worthy of celebration,” he said.
Member of the House from Borno State, Zainab Gimba, commended Salam for shining a compassionate and bright light on teenagers. “He has given our young people a voice that others will also step on the same foot,” she said.
The launch of “The Power of a Teenager” highlights the potential of Nigerian children to become leaders and agents of change. With the right guidance and support, they can promote peace, tolerance, education, and societal development.
