Tag: Kashim Shettima

…calls for collective action to boost economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed strong support for the Naija Creates project, emphasizing that all hands must be on deck to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Shettima’s position was disclosed in a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

According to him, Naija Creates, an enterprise championed by the CEO of Ebony Life Group, Mo Abudu, has the potential of being Nigeria’s flagship cultural diplomacy initiative that will truly project the country through tourism, arts, music, fashion and others at the global stage.

Speaking on Monday during a courtesy visit by the CEO of Ebony Life Group, Mo Abudu, to the presidential villa, the Vice President assured that his office will support the project in all its ramifications. 

He commended Abudu for her efforts and contributions to the development of entertainment industry in Nigeria, noting that there were a lot of positives about the country that should be exported to the international community. 

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Describing the Naija Creates project as an avenue to promote the Tinubu administration’s economic diversification agenda, Senator Shettima said the programme should be Nigeria’s collective effort to showcase the country’s potential in the creative sector.

He also invited Abudu to join the federal government’s iDICE team and deploy her expertise to help actualize the administration’s goals in the technology and creative sector. 

Earlier in her remarks, Abudu said Naija Creates is an initiative that will help export and celebrate excellence in Nigeria’s creative sector, comprising film, arts, food, music and fashion, among others. 

She explained that through the project, a safe space will be provided to kickstart the process of exporting, to the global stage, the numerous creative talents that abound in Nigeria. 

Abudu solicited the support and partnership of the federal government, through its agencies and collaborators, to ensure the actualization of the initiative.

She said in the summer of 2025, the Naija Creates initiative will debut in the United Kingdom, showcasing the various talents in food, music, film, fashion and arts.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stressed the resolve of the  Federal Government to combat hunger and boost food production.

He said agriculture remains a cardinal priority of the administration of  President Bola Tinubu, adding that it is poised to support farmers.

The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sabi Abdullahi, spoke at the unveiling of  Springfield Agro Limited $12 million Crop Protection Chemical Plant ìn Sagamu, Ogun State.

Springfield Agro Limited is a member of  Kewalram Chanrai Group which deals with provision of total farm solutions to the agric sector.

In his keynote address enetiled: “An Industrial Drive for Food Sufficiency,”  Shettima noted that to achieve food security, the nation must expand industrial capacity across the value chain.

He said: “It is  an honour to share in the joy of this remarkable intervention by Springfield Agro Limited.

 “As the continent blessed with vast arable land and the potential to be the food basket of the world, it is lamentable that Africa’s share of global manufacturing remains less than two per cent.

“Nigeria has no excuses not to be at the forefront of reversing this reality. The agricultural sector presents the low hanging fruit for industrialisation, and we have no choice but to create an environment where local friends can strive, innovate and compete globally.

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“Our duty as a government is to remove barriers and provide the necessary support for businesses such as Springfield Agro to take hold and flourish.”

He said the initiative  of the agrochemical plant aligns perfectly with the government’s agenda to enhance food security.

 Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who  represented by his  Deputy Mrs  Noimot Salako-Oyedele  said that the state was witnessing a remarkable milestone with the plant and  foundation-laying  ceremony of a hospital.

Abiodun said the firm has made  tremendous strides in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, providing total farm solutions, from seeds and fertilizers to tractors and post harvest and processing.

“This plant with an annual production capacity, we have been told, of 30 million litres of agrochemical  is a strong demonstration of confidence in the local economy and a commitment to not only enhancing local capacity, but reducing our dependency on imported agroproducts.

“Projects like this chemical plant fully reinforce  efforts, empowering farmers with resources to maximise yields,  boost harvest and ensure steady food supply,” he said.

Chairman, Kewalram Chenrai Group, Mr  Narain Chanrai said they are poised  to expand to other African countries.

Chanrai said the plant would produce both herbicides and insecticides.

He said that the plant has been built with an estimated investment of $12 million dollars and has the capacity to produce around 30 million litres of agrochemical manufactured in three lines of production on start, and expanded to 50 million litres.

“The factory will be creating an additional employment both direct and indirect jobs of about 300 to 500 people,” he said

…launches Project #SheIsIncluded to bridge gender gaps in finance, economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday said Nigeria’s women will play a pivotal role in achieving Africa’s projected $29 trillion economy by 2050.

Vice President Shettima made the declaration while declaring open the 2025 Gender Inclusion Conference and launching the Project #SheIsIncluded at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s economic trajectory is inextricably linked to Africa’s future, noting that as the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria must lead the charge in bridging gender gaps to drive sustainable growth.

He highlighted the significance of numbers, pointing out that Nigeria, home to one in every four Black people, is set to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, surpassing the United States. 

With women making up half of the country’s population, their empowerment is essential for national and continental progress.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the Gender Inclusion Conference as more than just a policy discussion, calling it a bold statement of responsibility toward Nigeria and Africa’s economic transformation. 

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that gender inclusion is not just a concept but “a reality in motion” that yields tangible economic outcomes.

Shettima stressed that integrating women into economic and financial systems is central to Nigeria’s growth blueprint, adding that the task ahead is not only to acknowledge the urgency of bridging gender gaps, but to ensure that policies translate into measurable progress.

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“This is a bold statement that we understand the magnitude of our responsibility, not just to Nigeria, but to the entire African continent. One out of every four black people is a Nigerian, and by the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most popular nation on Earth, and by 2050, will surpass the United States as the third most popular nation on Earth. Numbers count. 

“Half of our population are women, and wherever Nigeria goes, that’s why Africa goes. Hence the Gender Inclusion Conference, I want to restate, is not just another gathering of policy makers and stakeholders, this is a bold statement that we understand the magnitude of our responsibility, not just to Nigeria, but to the entire African continent. 

“We are marching Africa towards a projected $29 trillion economy by 2050 and Nigeria’s role in this transformation is not in doubt.

“What is clear and what this conference reaffirms is that our blueprint for integrating economic and financial inclusion into our growth agenda is not just a concept, it is a reality in motion, a task before us is not simply to acknowledge the urgency of bridging gender gaps in financial inclusion, but ensure that our efforts translate into tangible outcomes”, he said.

The conference with the theme, “Breaking Barriers, Building Resilience for Sustainable Women’s Economic and Financial Inclusion,” builds on the 2024 Aso Accord for Economic and Financial Inclusion and underscores Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5: gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

“We cannot build the Nigeria or Africa we envision without fully integrating women into our economic systems. Women are not just participants in our economy; they are leaders, innovators, and the bedrock of sustainable development,” the Vice President stated. 

According to VP Shettima, Project #SheIsIncluded is built on four key pillars of education and financial literacy, maternal healthcare, gender-sensitive policies and programmes, and expanded economic opportunities for women. 

He also announced that the initiative will reach all 774 local government areas across Nigeria to ensure that no woman is left behind.

“Our commitment to gender inclusion is not a cosmetic performance to placate the sensibilities of progressives; it is a fundamental pillar of our national development agenda. We are not just assuring the women of Nigeria of their place in our collective journey—we are creating the pathways for them to lead the charge,” VP Shettima said. 

He explained that the project “is not just about meeting quotas—it is about unlocking the full potential of our people to drive the broader economic goals of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”

The Vice President noted that the initiative will be spearheaded by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs. 

“To build an inclusive economic ecosystem where all Nigerians, regardless of gender, can contribute and benefit, we must redouble our efforts and align with global best practices. We must be relentless in our pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 5—achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls,” he affirmed.

He emphasised that the two-day conference is more than just a forum for discussion as it is an avenue for serious reflection and practical strategising on how to build an inclusive nation. He urged both public and private sector stakeholders to take the opportunity to outline actionable steps towards active participation in the gender inclusion agenda.

“I look forward to the recommendations that will emerge from this conference, knowing that they will shape the future of gender inclusion in Nigeria,” VP Shettima added. 

In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere- Ekun, said the conference was an important milestone in the collective effort to outline ways of breaking barriers to empowering women and promoting inclusion.

She said gender inclusion was a key enabler of sustainable development and central to addressing poverty and fostering economic growth, noting that it should translate into financial independence, wealth creation, and leadership development for women across different sectors.

The CJN assured that the judiciary will work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure that the rights of women to access economic resources and ownership of property, among others, are protected and not subjected to the dictates of individuals or obsolete cultural practices and stereotypes.

In a recorded message to the occasion, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr Amina Mohammed, said the conference marked a critical step towards Nigeria’s journey to gender inclusion, women empowerment, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She said gender equality and inclusion is not just an aspiration but a foundation for sustainable development, peace, and development across the world and urged all to invest in women’s empowerment, noting that when women are empowered, communities prosper, economies grow, and societies advance.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said VP Shettima’s support and push for inclusive growth resonates with everything that he has done since assuming office and is central to the agenda of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Sen. Hadejia said the “She’s Included” Conference is aimed at breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and building systems that support women’s empowerment across the country and serving as a model for gender equity in Nigeria, providing a guide to subsequent efforts and interventions aimed at integrating and empowering women across the country and beyond.

On her part, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, said the conference offers a unique opportunity to strengthen strategic frameworks for dismantling all barriers towards the actualisation of all women empowerment programmes and initiatives.

In the same vein, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the goals of the conference aligned with the agenda of the State Government on gender and economic inclusion, targeting women and vulnerable groups through the Kaduna State policy on women empowerment.

He highlighted programmes by the state government that have impacted women across agriculture, commerce, and different areas of the MSMEs, noting that the time to remove all impediments to women’s empowerment and inclusion was now and must be supported by all stakeholders.

On his part, Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, said that given the position of women in the society, empowering them is an imperative and a step in the right direction that must be sustained, declaring that Jigawa in realisation of this great potential has placed itself as a champion and model for women empowerment in Nigeria.

He said that girl child education in the state is free at all levels and is tracked across the state, noting that it is a deliberate policy of the State Government to stimulate and improve rural economy.

In the same vein, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, commended the conveners for the initiative, noting that it is a call to action, noting that his administration is deliberate about pursuing policies on inclusion and uplifting of women with the aim of harnessing their productive potentials.

Giving an overview of the conference, the Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Dr Nurudeen Zauro, said the conference presents a formidable platform for transformation, alignment of goals, sharing of insights, and designing of actionable plans that will break barriers and build resilience that will lead to financial inclusion across the country.

On his part, the Founder/GMD Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, Mr. Tosin Eniolorunda, said inclusion must be at the core of the strategy to build a trillion-naira economy, hence the need to support the “She’sIncluded” initiative.

He said inclusion is not a charity but an economic imperative, noting that empowering women is akin to driving economic growth and described women as economic drivers, assuring that Moneipoint remains committed to the actualisation of the ideals of women’s inclusion initiative.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs and GMD/CEO of UBA Group, Mr Oliver Alawuba commended the Vice President’s Office for convening the first conference on gender inclusion, noting that it is a clear testament of the President Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering and supporting an inclusive society.

He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to be deliberate about empowering women, restating that it is synonymous with unlocking the full potential of our society and economy, noting that when women succeed, families flourish, and the nation thrives.

Also present at the event were the CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; the first ladies of Jigawa, Katsina and the CEOs of financial institutions and other partners.

Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Saturday applauded the contributions of the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect in fostering peace and unity among the Muslim community in the country.

The two leaders spoke at the 2025 Maulud celebration in honour of the late spiritual leader of the Tijjaniyya sect, Sheik Ibrahim Niass, held at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Saturday.

Spokesman to Kano governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, said Shettima, who was represented by Alhaji Babagana Fannami, praised the Muslim sect for its stand for the teachings of Islam over the past century.

As Special Guest of the occasion, Shettima eulogised the guiding principles of the ‘Sufi’ sect to humanity.

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He emphasised the unwavering tenacity of the Tijjaniyya sect to lessons of Prophet Muhammad rather than compromising matters of the jurisprudence of Islam, urging Muslims to emulate the true teachings of Islam and avoid extremism.

Governor Yusuf said the Tijjaniyya sect has maintained peace and harmonious relationships with other sects in the country.

Yusuf, who hosted the religious event, said: “We have to appreciate all of you for coming to Kano from far and near to attend this year’s maulud for Sheik Ibrahim Niass.”

The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who is also the national leader of the Tijjaniyya sect in Nigeria, prayed for the unity of Muslims around the globe.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for a partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to advance two critical projects- the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad. 

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with WEF President Børge Brende on the sidelines of the ongoing WEF annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Shettima highlighted the projects’ potential to address regional energy needs, food security, and economic development.

On the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, Senator Shettima said Nigeria will be in a vantage position to take advantage of the WEF platform to develop the gas project, pointing out that this will address the geopolitical challenges in Europe and the growing demand for energy due to artificial intelligence, data mining and storage.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said, “we seek your collaboration in fundamental areas. One is on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) which will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries. 

“The pipeline will transport natural gas from Nigeria to North Africa and Europe and is expected to improve energy security and economic growth in the region.

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“With the geopolitical challenges in Europe from Russian gas problems and the rising demand for energy because of artificial intelligence, data mining and storage, we will be in a vantage position to take advantage of this opportunity.

“A lot of littoral states in West Africa who have discovered gas are more than willing to plug into the system and feed their gas to other end users. We are also exploring the area of undersea passage of the pipelines for it to be a win-win for everyone. We want to use the WEF platform.”

VP Shettima told the WEF President that while Nigeria is a country blessed with gas, the nation is exploring every option to maximise available opportunities for economic growth and create wealth for its growing population.

“Nigeria is a gas nation than an oil nation. Because of our population, we either take care of the young men and women, (our average is 16.9), or they take care of us in the next ten or twenty years down the line. This is why we are in a hurry to develop in our enlightened self-interest. Gas provides us with the utmost opportunity to generate wealth for our people,” he noted.

On recharging of the Lake Chad, the Nigerian Vice President said apart from addressing the food security crisis, it will also put Nigeria in a vantage position to generate clean energy and combat terrorism.

His words: “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the Sahelian region. The challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP might not be disconnected from the realities of existential threats we are facing.

“The Lake Chad hitherto was 25,000 sq. km but it has shrunk to 2,000 sq. km. There is the issue of the recharging of the Lake Chad from the Congo River basin which is the second largest river basin in the world, and the water is flowing into the Atlantic. We want to use your platform to recharge the Lake Chad.

“This will help us to successfully generate clean energy, a significant amount of hydropower annually, and there will be a canal of 2400 kilometres that will change the agricultural landscape of that sub-region. This will address the food security crisis that the world is facing.”

The Vice President also informed the WEF President about the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigerian President has returned Nigeria to the part of sustained economic growth.

“Most importantly, we are talking about the present. My leader and my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who also grew up in the finance ecosystem. He was a financial controller for ExxonMobil; he was a transformative leader in Lagos State and in Nigeria, he is the most disruptive leader we have had in half a century.

“From the first week in office, he did the right thing – from the subsidy removal to the alignment of the exchange rates, tax reforms, and so many ongoing reform efforts. Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon and we’re now on the path to sustained economic growth,” he stated.

The Vice President invited the WEF President to Nigeria to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also intimating him of Nigeria’s readiness to host the WEF Africa.

Underscoring why fostering collaboration with WEF is germane to the growth of Africa, VP Shettima noted that apart from being the biggest economy in the continent, Nigeria is also the most populous nation in Africa, with 250 million people.

“And by 2050, we will be the third most populous nation on earth, surpassing the United States. By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth,” he added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid heartfelt tribute to six soldiers who lost their lives while repelling a terrorist attack in Damboa, Borno State, describing them as “eternal heroes” whose sacrifices will forever be remembered in Nigeria’s history.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, also reaffirmed his deep sorrow and firm solidarity with the families of heroic soldiers.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Vice President Shettima noted that the military recorded a decisive victory in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts but regretted that the price of freedom is eternally steep.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I received news of our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation in Damboa. These six valiant soldiers demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger by protecting their fellow citizens,” he said.

In the attack, which took place in Sabon Gari, involved terrorists attempting to ambush troops at a Forward Operating Base, the soldiers’ decisive response, bolstered by reinforcements and air support from Operation HADIN KAI, not only neutralised 34 terrorists but also led to the troops recovering weapons and ammunition and largely weakening the attackers’ capabilities.  

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Vice President Shettima lauded the soldiers’ heroism, saying, “Their sacrifices remind us of the extraordinary price of peace and security. These heroes died ensuring that their fellow Nigerians can live in safety, free from the scourge of insecurity that has impacted our country.”  

He reassured the grieving families that their beloved children did not die in vain, noting that “their sacrifices will be forever remembered in our nation’s history, and their memory will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians.

“To our armed forces, your unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens, even at the cost of your own lives, fills us with profound gratitude and respect. We will continue to support you and provide all necessary resources to ensure you can carry out your duties effectively,” the Vice President added.

He further urged Nigerians to honour the fallen heroes by standing firm in the collective pursuit of peace and security.

“May Allah grant our fallen heroes Aljannah Firdaus, comfort their families, and give us all the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” VP Shettima prayed.

• VP extols Oyebanji’s virtues at daughter’s wedding

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday  attended the wedding ceremony of two sons of Kano State chapter chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

 Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha shared details of the wedding on his  X handle.

According to the post, the wedding of Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas’ sons took place in Kano.

He said Shettima landed at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport yesterday and was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Gwarzo, and the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril.

Other dignitaries at the airport to welcome the vice president include a former deputy governor of Kano State, Nasir Gawuna.

Also present at the wedding ceremony was the former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari among other politicians.

The APC chairman’s children – Abbas Abdullahi, his bride, Arc. Khadija Attahire Buhari and Muhammad Abbas and his wife Zulaihat Nasir wedded at the Al-Furqan Jumma’at Mosque in Kano.

They were joined by the Chief Imam of the mosque, Bashir Aliyu Umar.

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Also yesterday,   the Vice President underscored the importance of humility and foresight in leadership, using Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, as an exemplar.

Senator Shettima who made the observation in close reference to the character of Ekiti State governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, praised his sterling leadership qualities and impact on the state’s development.

Speaking yesterday  when he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the traditional marriage ceremony of Toluwatimi Esther Oyebanji and Ayodeji Kenny Akinyemi at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Vice President also wished the newlyweds a happy married life.

 VP Shettima extolled Governor Oyebanji’s ability to unite his predecessors, noting that “he was able to unite four past governors under the same canopy; that goes to show a lot about his personality.”

 Taking a leaf from the 16th President of the United States, the VP noted: “Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Most men can survive the extremes of adversity, but if you want to see a man’s true character give him money and power’. I was fortunate to know Governor Oyebanji when he was Secretary to the State Government. He exuded humility, and I intuitively felt he would be the next Governor of Ekiti State. And the rest is history today.”

 In a statement issued by his Spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships beyond political office, pointing out that “when you are in power, your friends know you, but when you are out of power, you know your friends.”

 Commending Gov Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership approach, he continued: “What you do speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying. You don’t need anybody to tell us about his persona. Here, we have all his predecessors and their spouses. He was able to unite the four past governors under the same canopy; that goes to show a lot about his personality.

 “I want to thank you for sustaining the relationship with your predecessors; that is what leadership is all about – the ability to accommodate and embrace each other. All of us here have a lot to learn from you. I believe you have a rendezvous with destiny; you have more rivers to cross in the future. You have the ability to reach out”.

 Speaking directly to the new couple, VP Shettima said, “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we wish you marital bliss. We hope and pray that this marriage will be blessed with children and, most especially, patience. On behalf of the President, I congratulate you.”