A member of the House of Representatives from Osun State, Hon. Bamidele Salam, has called for increased collaboration among key stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the Child Rights Act across Nigeria.
Salam, the founder of the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday during the flag-off of the 2024 National Children Leadership Conference organized by his organization.
While acknowledging the presence of legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act, Salam emphasized the need for effective enforcement. “The issue in Nigeria is not the absence of laws but their implementation,” Salam stated. “The Child Rights Act, domesticated by 32 states, prohibits child hawking, begging, and truancy. Yet, enforcement remains minimal. How many parents have been prosecuted for failing to ensure their children are in school?”
Salam lamented the continued prevalence of out-of-school children, despite various intervention efforts. He referenced a report by the National Commission for Out-of-School Children, which revealed that while 23,000 children in Abuja had been enrolled in schools, many still roam the streets, hawking and begging.
He underscored CALDEV’s commitment to advocating for and implementing intervention programs, including mentoring, scholarships, leadership training, and support for orphanages. The organization has partnered with institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to improve children’s access to education and welfare.
“Our African Children Leadership Series has distributed over 50,000 books to schools across Nigeria through UBEC. These efforts equip children with skills that go beyond academics—critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration,” Salam noted.
Salam also revealed plans to expand CALDEV’s reach, with plans to include delegates from Ghana, Gambia, and Sierra Leone in the 2025 edition of the National Children Leadership Conference. Since its inception in 2015, CALDEV has aimed to create a pan-African platform for youth empowerment.
“A society that ignores its children ignores its future,” Salam warned. “Our programmes focus on soft skills like leadership, values, and service, preparing children to become responsible adults who contribute meaningfully to society.”
Hon. Martins Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, praised Salam’s vision, highlighting the importance of early self-discovery in nurturing future leaders. “This initiative targets children aged 13 to 17, helping them understand their strengths, values, and leadership potential. It’s about creating leaders who can transform their families, communities, and the nation,” Etim said.
Both Salam and Etim expressed optimism that as the conference gains traction, more corporate sponsors will support CALDEV’s initiatives, enabling thousands of children to benefit from the organization’s transformative programs.
