The Children of Africa Leadership and Values Development (CALDEV) Initiative, a non-governmental organization aimed at identifying and developing leadership skills among African children is calling for entries in its maiden National Children's Leadership Ideas Contest (N-CLIC) 2019.

The contest entails writing an essay which identifies a social, political or economic problem in Nigeria and proffering realistic and original solutions to the problem identified.

N-CLIC, according to the NGO, will afford Nigerian children the opportunity to contribute useful ideas that can be adapted by leaders in all strata of our socio-political and economic spheres.

The competition which targets children across Nigeria who are aged between 12 and 16 is to receive essay that must not be more than 1500 words and as stipulated, "entrants must be original and practical on the solutions to the social, economic or political problem identified."

The essays are to be submitted at www.caldevafrica.org beginning from 20th August to 15th September 2019.

According to the Founder of CALDEV, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, “The idea behind this contest is to generate greater interest in leadership issues among young Nigerians and also engender inclusive dialogue on the ways out of the myriad of problems affecting us as a people. It will also bring out the patriotic zeal of Nigerian children and prepare them better for leadership responsibilities at a higher level"

The CALDEV Executive Director, Dr Yemisi Obelawo also explained that the six best essays will participate in a grand finale in Abuja on the 2nd of October 2019 to mark Nigeria's 59th independence anniversary. Winners will be determined by a Panel of judges of eminent Nigerians selected from the academics, Media and Civil Society.

Prizes to be won include scholarships, Fully paid trip to exciting locations, Laptops, Books and opportunity for international mentorship.

Obelawo said the Kukah Centre, Africa Independent Television and other Leadership focused organisations are already partnering for the success of the N-CLIC.

CALDEV urges all parents and teachers to take advantage of the great opportunity to discover and develop a generation of visionary leaders in the country and entire African continent as they get their wards engaged in community development activities like this contest, that will fortify them with leadership capabilities that will bring about the desired changes and make them Ambassadors of the African continent.