The National Children Leadership Conference (NCLC) 2024, organized by the Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development Initiative (CALDEV), concluded with resounding success in Abuja.
The five-day event was hosted by Hon Bamidele Salam, Representative for Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency. It was held from November 17 to 21, 2024, celebrating the power and potential of young leaders in Nigeria, featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers, workshops and awards.
Among the notable highlights of the event was the recognition of Maxwell Anyanwu, CEO of Maxcodelinks and a proud Kidpreneur Africa ambassador.
As a trailblazer in the technology space, Maxwell was honoured with the CALDEV Early Achievers Award, an accolade recognizing his remarkable contributions, dedication, and potential in the field of technology.
The conference revolved around the theme: “Empowering Young Voices: A Legacy for Sustainable Development.” The keynote address, delivered by Plan International Nigeria, underscored the critical role young people play in shaping the nation’s future.
According to statistics shared during the conference, 70% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30, with children and youth making up a significant portion. This demographic, coupled with the energy and creativity of young minds, places them at the forefront of driving change across various sectors.
“Young people are no longer just the leaders of tomorrow—they are active agents of change today,” said a speaker during the event.
Maxwell Anyanwu’s journey is a shining example of how young people are harnessing their talents to create innovative solutions and influence societal progress.
As the CEO of Maxcodelinks, Maxwell has been an advocate for using technology to address real-world challenges, inspiring other youth to pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
Reacting to the award, Maxwell expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating,
“Thanks so much ma. The award is dedicated to Kidprenur Africa. You laid the foundation for this recognition. Thanks so much for impacting so much in me. Thanks for your advice and encouragement.”
He added, “This award is not just for me but for every young Nigerian with a dream. It is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”
The conference emphasized several key approaches to fostering youth empowerment and sustainable development, including meaningful youth inclusion, leveraging international frameworks, building solidarity and mentorship, time management, goal setting, and continuous knowledge acquisition.
Plan International Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to empowering youth through initiatives like the Thrive Programme, Digistar, and the Girls Get Equal campaign. These programs focus on building employability skills, promoting gender equality, and ensuring young voices are heard at all levels.
The conference concluded with a resounding call for stakeholders to prioritize children and youth.
