By Gloria Ikibah

Member representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Federal Constituency of Osu  state, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bamidele Salamhas called on state governments and stakeholders to work together to ensure the effective implementation of the Child Rights Act across Nigeria.  

Rep. Salam who is the Founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), stated this at the openopening a five-day National Children’s Leadership Conference in Abuja, on Monday, stressed the importance of enforcing existing laws to protect Nigerian children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

“The Child Rights Act is not just a law—it’s a lifeline for millions of children. It ensures their right to education, healthcare, and a safe environment. But how many states are truly implementing its provisions?” Salam asked.

He called  on corporate organisations to support CALDEV’s expansion, even as he emphasised that the future of any society depends on its investment in children.

“A society that neglects its children neglects its future. We must act now to build a generation equipped with values, leadership skills, and a sense of service.

He highlighted specific areas where the law falls short in practice:  “The Act prohibits children from hawking or begging on the streets and requires that every child be in school during school hours. Yet, enforcement is weak, and accountability is rare.

“He questioned if rescued out-of-school children are being reintegrated into education or if they are falling back into old cycles of hardship.

Salam further stressed the need for collaboration among government agencies, civil society, and communities to ensure children’s rights are upheld.

He said that CALDEV has implemented programs to mentor and empower children, focusing on leadership education, scholarships, and support for marginalized groups such as out-of-school children and those in orphanages.

“We’ve partnered with institutions like the National Human Rights Commission and the Universal Basic Education Commission to advocate for children and provide educational materials,” Salam said.

He also mentioned distributing 50,000 books to schools nationwide under the African Children Leadership Series.

Despite these efforts, Salam lamented the persistence of children hawking and begging on Abuja streets, stating, “This is far from what the law envisions. We must prioritize enforcement through stronger collaboration.”

Impact of the Leadership Conference

The conference has become a transformative platform, empowering young participants to discover themselves, develop leadership skills, and address real-world problems.

“True education isn’t just about reading and writing—it’s about fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Participants leave as ambassadors, training others and creating a ripple effect in their schools and communities,” Salam explained.

The conference’s growing impact has inspired plans for expansion. In 2025, CALDEV will host delegates from other West African countries, starting with Ghana, Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Hon. Martins Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, praised the initiative, which began in 2015, for nurturing leadership potential in children aged 13 to 17.

“Leadership starts with self-discovery. Once young people understand themselves, they can lead their families, communities, and the nation. This initiative is about shaping a generation that will drive Nigeria forward,” Etim said.