By Folarin Kehinde 

Shelter has launched the Shelta Superkids Programme, an initiative designed to promote indigenous language preservation, creativity and talent development among Nigerian children.

Speaking at the programme’s official launch in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Austin Igwe, represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer of Shelter, Mr Stanley Odum, said the initiative was created to provide children with opportunities to discover, develop and showcase their talents.

Igwe said the programme aligns with Shelter’s commitment to supporting families and communities, noting that children occupy a central place in every household.

“Our focus over time has been providing cover for households. We are now asking ourselves how we can also reach out to our children because they play a very important role in every family,” he said.

According to him, the programme consists of two key categories – Mother Tongue and Waste-to-Wealth.

He explained that the Mother Tongue category is aimed at encouraging children to learn and speak their indigenous languages, while the Waste-to-Wealth segment seeks to nurture creativity by challenging participants to transform waste materials into useful products.

“We are here to celebrate our children, to find them and give them a voice and a platform. Through the Mother Tongue category, we want to identify children who can speak their native languages, while Waste-to-Wealth focuses on creativity and innovation,” Igwe said.

He added that the initiative goes beyond identifying talent, as it also recognises and rewards teachers, coaches and schools that contribute to the development of children.

“We are not only empowering the children. We are also appreciating the teachers, coaches and schools that are helping to train and guide them,” he stated.

Speaking on the environmental aspect of the programme, Igwe said the Waste-to-Wealth category encourages children to see value in waste materials while promoting environmental sustainability.

“Every waste is important. It supports a cleaner environment and teaches children that they can create something beneficial from materials that would otherwise be discarded. It encourages creativity, innovation and problem-solving from an early age,” he said.

Igwe also called for collective efforts to ensure the safety and education of children across the country.

“There is no future for any nation if its children are not safe and able to access education. Security is not the responsibility of government alone. It requires a collective effort from communities, families, organisations and individuals,” he said.

A teacher at Government Science Secondary School, Tunga Maje, Mr Omar Adogahabu, described the programme as a valuable platform for social interaction and talent discovery among children.

“Competition brings out the best in children. When I informed my students about this programme, many of them were eager to participate. It helps build confidence and lays a strong foundation for their future,” he said.

Adogahabu also emphasised the importance of mother-tongue education, saying children often understand concepts better when taught in their indigenous languages.

“When children learn in their mother tongue, they comprehend lessons more effectively and can express themselves better. Programmes like this will encourage more children to embrace and preserve our local languages,” he added.

One of the participants, 12-year-old Fadzira Dahamye from Ridumas Private Secondary School, Living Springs, Karu, said she was excited to participate in the competition.

“I feel happy and great because some of my classmates used to say I could not speak Hausa properly. Being here has allowed me to prove that I can speak Hausa,” she said.

The student also advocated the use of indigenous languages in teaching, noting that it would improve students’ understanding and academic performance.

“If we are taught in our mother tongue, it will enhance our understanding,” she said.