President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to invest in the growth and well-being of Nigerian children, as nurturing the young population remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja at a public presentation of a book titled ‘The Power of a Teenager: 50 Ways to Inspire Change’ by Bamidele Salam, a member of the House of Representatives (PDP-Osun).

The book presentation was part of the activities at the ongoing 2025 National Children Leadership Conference organised by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative.

The president commended Mr Salam, the founder of CALDEV, for his dedication to youth development.

The president said that the impact of what Salam had done might not be very visible in the children’s lives at the moment, but would be clearly seen in the near future.

In his remarks, Vice-President Kashim Shettima described the book presentation as a clear demonstration of the potential of Nigerian children.

The chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, said that the children were the future of this nation. He said that though they were young, they were seen and expected to take the country to where it should be.

Mr Gbajabiamila commended Salam for consistently making efforts for future generations, saying it was a testament to leadership and commitment.

In his remarks, Mr Salam, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said CALDEV was founded in 2015 to fill a gap in Nigeria’s educational system.

According to him, leadership training is rarely embedded in the curriculum; through CALDEV’s National Children’s Leadership Conference, children gain practical exposure to leadership, public speaking, and community service.

The lawmaker said that many past participants had gone on to start NGOs, run radio programmes, and lead campaigns addressing early marriage, child labour, and other social issues.

“This year, about 400 children are participating, and the impact has been phenomenal,” Mr Salam said.

(NAN)