9The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the future of Nigeria is bright because it rests in the capable, compassionate, and courageous hands of today’s youths and children.
Kalu gave the assurance while speaking at the 3rd editon of the 2024 National Children Leadership Conference and Award Night, a transformative initiative by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV) Wednesday night in Abuja.
The Initiative is founded by Hon. Bamidele Salem who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.
Kalu said that children are not only the leaders of tomorrow but influencers of today, emphasizing that the destiny of the country lies in their hands.
He said: “Today, we gather here because children are the symbol of hope for Nigeria. Your energy, dreams, and potential are the foundation on which our nation’s progress rests. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow—you are the influencers of today, shaping conversations, challenging norms, and standing as beacons of possibility.
“As I look into this room, I see more than faces; I see dreamers, doers, and decision-makers. But leadership, dear young ones, is not just about standing out—it’s about standing for what is right, even when it is difficult. It’s about having the bravery to speak up for truth, fairness, and justice. Leadership is not about leading alone; it’s about working with others, building teams, and finding strength in unity.
“Nigeria’s destiny lies in the hands of young leaders like you. You have the power to transform our country, to heal divisions, and to inspire unity. You are not just the hope of our future—you are the architects of it.
“Let the lessons you’ve learned here guide you. Let your passion drive you. And let your actions remind us all that the future of Nigeria is bright, because it rests in capable, compassionate, and courageous hands.”
While making a donation of N20 million to help bring more children from all parts.of the country for next year’s edition, Kalu also promised to convey to the appropriate quarters the request of the youth wherein they appealed that the money accrued from petrol subsidy removal should be channeled to improve education, health amongst other priority areas of the economy.
“I am impressed with what I am seeing tonight and I want to assure you on the motion that you raised and presented to me, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President as well as Mr. President will hear your motion. You raised a topical, very important issue and Nigeria is going to hear you”, the Deputy Speaker assured.
Highpoints of the event included the presentation of some cash awards to some youths who performed exceptionally in some intellectual tasks assigned to them to execute at the conference.
Levinus Nwabughiogu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker of Federation released this communiqué in Abuja.
