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Tag: Shettima

  • Shettima: Nigeria to champion privatesector-led food systems reform at UN Summit

    Shettima: Nigeria to champion privatesector-led food systems reform at UN Summit

    • ‘Govt ready to provide single-digit credit to agricultural investors’

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the Federal Government is committed to a transformative, private sector-led reform of its food systems.

    The Vice President said Nigeria is witnessing a new vista in its food security agenda, signaling a major policy shift ahead of the second United Nations Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4), scheduled to hold in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, later this month.

    Shettima spoke yesterday at a briefing organised by Nigeria’s Task Force on the upcoming summit at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    He outlined a bold vision to reposition the country as a continental leader in agricultural innovation and productivity.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, quoted the Vice President as saying the government would serve as a catalyst and enabler of the reform, while the private sector would drive the implementation.

    “Our role as a government is to derisk, catalyse, and convene. We will be active in policy formulation and support structures. We should allow the private sector to drive the process,” he said..

    Shettima also hinted of plans to introduce single-digit credit facilities tailored for agriculture.

    According to him, such strategic support is critical to unlocking private capital for food systems transformation.

    “Even if it involves supporting the financial needs of the agricultural sector by giving them single-digit credit facilities, we will do it. That was how countries, like South Korea, developed by supporting the chaebols,” he said, alluding to South Korea’s state-backed industrial conglomerates.

    Read Also: Shettima’s wife thanks Tinubu, First Lady, for golden jubilee goodwill

    Outlining Nigeria’s objectives ahead of the summit, the Vice President said the delegation would aim to position Nigeria as a thought leader on African food systems reform, leverage international partnerships in alignment with domestic priorities, and advance a private sector-led framework for continental food transformation.

    “Food systems transformation is not just about reacting to crises but about building the economic backbone of a resilient Nigeria. Our pathway is clear — empower the private sector, unlock functioning markets and ensure that every reform we pursue lays the foundation for long-term national productivity and prosperity,” Shettima added.

    The second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, will bring together global leaders from July 27 to 29, to assess the progress made since the inaugural summit and accelerate commitments toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

    The National Convener and Director of the Social Development Office at the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Sanjo Faniran, emphasised the pivotal role the Vice President played during Nigeria’s participation at the 2023 stocktake event in Rome, where he chaired two key sessions.

    “We are working with the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The second stocktaking, which is the fourth year of the Food Systems Summit, is coming up on July 27 to 29, 2025,” Faniran said.

  • Tinubu’s bold policies in interest of Nigerians – Shettima

    Tinubu’s bold policies in interest of Nigerians – Shettima

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s bold policy decisions are being implemented in the best interest of Nigerians.

    Shettima said this while hosting executives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NACCIMA delegation was led by its National President, Mr Jani Ibrahim, during a courtesy visit to the Vice-President.

    Highlighting the administration’s focus on economic revitalisation, Shettima stated that the government had created an enabling environment for serious business operations.

    He cited major policy steps such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the realignment of the multiple exchange rate system, and ongoing tax reforms.

    “I can assure you that Nigeria is ready for business, and you are the drivers of change.

    “I plead guilty to romancing with the business community, the manufacturing and productive sectors.

    “This is how great nations are built; this is how Korea became what it is,” the Vice-President said.

    Shettima stressed that President Tinubu remained committed to the reforms in spite of resistance from entrenched interests, describing them as necessary actions taken for the greater good of Nigerians.

    “The current administration is your own because the President speaks your language, the language of commerce.

    “He grew up in that ecosystem, understands how businesses are run, and was the financial controller at Mobil,” Shettima said.

    He applauded the President’s courage in removing the fuel subsidy, which he described as a long-standing burden on the nation.

    “While the fuel subsidy had been an albatross around the neck of successive administrations, he had the courage and conviction to remove it.

    “The oil cabal fought back, but he refused to budge. He stood his ground because he acted in the best interest of Nigerians,” he added.

    Earlier in his remarks, Ibrahim noted that he was elected NACCIMA President and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) a month ago during the association’s 65th Annual General Meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State.

    Read Also: Shettima, Mutfwang query accuracy of NBS GDP data

    He commended Vice-President Shettima’s leadership as Chairman of key national economic bodies such as the National Economic Council (NEC), National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), and MSME councils.

    “National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and the private sector. We recognise the private sector as the engine of growth while the government sets the enabling framework,” Ibrahim said.

    He called for regular engagement between the organised private sector and the Vice-President’s office, proposing bi-annual consultative sessions.

    Ibrahim also requested that representatives from the private sector be included in key government councils and technical bodies, particularly those dealing with trade, industry, privatisation, and small and medium enterprises.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima, Mutfwang query accuracy of NBS GDP data

    Shettima, Mutfwang query accuracy of NBS GDP data

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has raised concerns about discrepancies in Nigeria’s economic data, questioning whether the recently rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures truly reflect the scale of economic activities across the country.

    Speaking through his Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua, at the 2025 Workshop of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) held Tuesday in Abuja, Shettima pointed to significant gaps in data reporting between the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), states, and local governments.

    His remarks followed the NBS announcement on Monday that the nation’s rebased GDP grew by 3.13 per cent in the first quarter of 2025—an increase from 2.27 per cent in the same period of 2024. Despite this reported growth, Shettima questioned whether the figure provided a comprehensive and accurate picture of Nigeria’s economy, especially considering the reported surge in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by several state governments.

    “If the states have increased their IGR by between 100 and 300 per cent and the GDP is still growing at about three per cent, then there’s a disconnect that requires deeper investigation,” the vice president stated. “You will be shocked at the amount of information lacuna from institutions’ repositories at the state and local government levels.”

    Read Also: Shettima raises alarm over forest depletion in Nigeria

    Shettima also used the platform to stress the role of capital formation in driving national development. He noted that the Nigerian capital market had witnessed remarkable expansion in the last two years. From an All-Share Index (ASI) of 55,000 points and market capitalisation of N28 trillion in 2023, the market rose to 131,000 points and N75 trillion by July 2025.

    He attributed the growth to renewed investor confidence, which has supported business expansion and increased national wealth, indicating a path toward recovery and long-term economic progress.

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State backed Shettima’s concerns, citing similar issues in the representation of state-level data. According to him, the NBS data did not capture the significant progress made by Plateau State in improving its IGR.

    “We need to pursue the one trillion dollar economy goal by starting with a realistic evaluation of where we are. Much of the data we are generating is not from the bottom up—it is harvested from the top,” Mutfwang said. He called for improved coordination and collaboration among federal, state, and local actors to ensure a more inclusive and accurate economic narrative.

    The governor also stressed the importance of de-risking capital to boost productivity, particularly in rural areas, alongside attracting creative ideas that could elevate living standards.

    Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said Nigeria must enhance capital formation to facilitate easier access to finance, particularly for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). She said achieving a one trillion dollar economy would require strong, resilient institutions and better alignment between long-term capital and development objectives.

    “We are working to remove bottlenecks that discourage companies from listing on the Nigerian Exchange,” she said, pointing to efforts aimed at encouraging more market participation and improving financial intermediation.

    Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, Chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and a former Minister of Finance, also warned that Nigeria’s economic aspirations could be hampered by a lack of policy continuity and frequent changes in key personnel. He maintained that attaining the one trillion dollar target would demand joint commitment from federal and state governments, as well as the private sector.

    Echoing this sentiment, Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, said that deepening the capital market and strengthening national institutions were key to sustaining growth. He stressed the need for greater investment in agriculture and technology to unlock productivity.

    Ogunjimi also charged the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers to uphold ethical practices and support policies that promote market liquidity.

  • Shettima’s wife thanks Tinubu, First Lady, for golden jubilee goodwill

    Shettima’s wife thanks Tinubu, First Lady, for golden jubilee goodwill

    …says she’s humbled by outpouring of support on 50th birthday

    The Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the immense goodwill and support shown to her on the occasion of her 50th birthday, describing their kind gestures as humbling and profoundly uplifting.

    According to a statement issued by Special Assistant, Media & ICT to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Kwapchi Bata Hamman, Mrs Shettima said she was overwhelmed by the thoughtful tributes and gestures of affection from the nation’s First Family and other well-wishers as she marked her golden jubilee on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

    “My deepest and most profound gratitude goes to our beloved Father and Leader, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his heartfelt and gracious birthday message.

    “Mr President, your thoughtful and inspiring words have deeply touched my heart and soul. I am truly humbled and honoured by your generous recognition of my modest contributions to the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria”, she said.

    Mrs Shettima also extended heartfelt appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whom she praised for her enduring friendship and support. She said the First Lady’s warm tribute, which described her as a “worthy partner,” was especially meaningful.

    “My special and heartfelt appreciation extends to the esteemed First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. I feel profoundly honoured and blessed to be referred to as a ‘Worthy Partner’ in your warm-hearted and uplifting birthday wishes on this remarkable milestone of my life,” Mrs Shettima said.

    READ ALSO: Troops foil terrorist attacks, neutralise dozens in Zamfara-Niger axis

    The wife of the Vice President further praised the First Lady’s leadership and advocacy, noting that her grace and devotion continue to inspire countless women across the country.

    “I will continue to draw strength and motivation from your exemplary conduct and exceptional service to humanity,” she added.

    Beyond the Presidential Villa, Mrs Shettima also acknowledged the kind wishes from governors’ wives, whom she described as “dear sisters and colleagues” under the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum.

    She thanked them for their “genuine love, unwavering support, and warm fellowship” on her special day.

    Her message also extended appreciation to the wives of National Assembly leaders, the National Council for Women Societies, members of the ruling party, and many other individuals and groups who took time to celebrate her milestone.

  • Shettima raises alarm over forest depletion in Nigeria

    Shettima raises alarm over forest depletion in Nigeria

    President Kashim Shettima has sounded a dire warning over the massive depletion of Nigeria’s forest cover, calling it both an environmental crisis and an economic emergency. 

    Speaking at the opening of the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025 held at the Presidential Villa on Monday, the Vice President revealed that more than 90 percent of the nation’s original forests have been lost, with over 400,000 hectares vanishing annually.

    Meanwhile, the Founder of Netzence sustainability limited (Netzence), Dr. Sadiq Sani, has given the country an assurance that it is using technology to unlock the over two billion dollars of potentials in the forest sector. 

    Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia, Vice President Shettima declared, “this is not just an environmental crisis; it is an economic emergency. Ignoring this challenge is not an option. Our forests’ depletion threatens economic stability, livelihoods, and our global trading position.”

    The summit, themed “Sustainability of Nigeria’s Forests: Unlocking the $2 Billion Potentials for Economic and Financial Inclusion”, was organized by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI). 

    It brought together government officials, private sector actors, environmentalists, and international stakeholders to spotlight the immense, untapped wealth within Nigeria’s forests.

    Shettima emphasized the economic and strategic value of forests to national development, citing global examples where forest economies have become vital pillars. 

    “Vietnam earns over $15 billion yearly from forest exports. Brazil’s Amazon contributes 15% of its GDP from forests alone. Ethiopia has created 350,000 jobs through reforestation and value chains. Nigeria must not only replicate these successes—we must lead Africa’s forest industrialization”, he said.

    The Vice President warned that global trends in sustainable sourcing could soon shut Nigeria out of critical export markets. 

    “The European Union is rolling out regulations prohibiting imports from lands deforested in the past five years. If we do not embrace sustainable forest management now, Nigeria risks losing vital market access,” he said.

    Beyond regulation, Shettima also underscored the connection between forest economies and financial inclusion. 

    “Embedding financial services in forest-based livelihoods will improve credit access, savings, insurance, and digital tools—especially for the 30 million Nigerians who remain financially excluded, particularly women and girls,” he said.

    He called for bold innovation through “eco-industrial parks dedicated to bamboo, shea butter, medicinal plants, and carbon verification,” urging stakeholders to “turn trees into trillions and forests into futures.”

    A major highlight of the event was a presentation by Dr. Sadiq Sani, Founder and CEO of Netzence Sustainability Limited, who disclosed that his company is deploying advanced technology to unlock over $2 billion from Nigeria’s forestry sector.

    “Netzence is providing technology that allows us to measure emissions and greenhouse gases in our environment and realize carbon credits. That is our fundamental aim through our proprietary technology, CloseCarbon,” Dr. Sani said.

    He added that the firm is already building data models that track forest composition and decomposition to calculate real-time greenhouse gas emissions and their economic value in carbon markets. 

    Dr. Sani confirmed that Netzence is collaborating with the Federal Government, including the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Livestock Development, to scale up its work.

    “This is not just about protecting the environment. The impact is economic, social, and transformational. We can’t achieve this without the support of government and stakeholders across all sectors,” he said.

    Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion and Technical Adviser to the President, Nurudeen Zauro, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to leveraging underutilized sectors for inclusive growth.

    “One part of Mr. President’s agenda is inclusivity. PRICIFI’s duty is to identify untapped opportunities—areas that have been silent—and unlock them to drive progress,” Zauro said.

    According to him, the summit was convened to rally all ecosystem stakeholders—public and private—to explore how forests can become engines for grassroots economic empowerment and national wealth creation.

    Read Also: Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

    Adding his voice, the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency, George Kelly, stressed that Nigeria holds over 10.6 million hectares of natural and planted forests, with the potential to generate between $5.3 billion and $10.5 billion annually through carbon financing.

    “Properly managed, our forests can fund multiple state budgets and deliver true economic and financial inclusion at the rural level. The next step is aligning all forestry-related agencies to collect more precise data and act on this opportunity,” Kelly said.

    Chairman of WEN Synergies Nigeria Limited and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Danny Sokari, emphasized the need for national awareness. 

    “The awareness about how to generate that $2 billion is not yet there. That’s why WEN Synergy organized this summit—to raise consciousness, bring in stakeholders, and collectively ask, ‘What can we do?’” he said.

  • Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

    Govt will uphold Buhari’s family dignity, says Shettima

    • Clerics pray for repose of ex-President’s soul at third day Fidau

    The Federal Government assured yesterday that it would uphold the dignity and image of the Buhari family.

    The assurance was given by the government during the three-day prayer  for the repose of the soul of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State. 

    Acknowledging Buhari’s commitment to national development, the government charged Nigerians not to allow his vision for the country to fade.

    “As a government, we assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to protect the image and dignity of the Buhari family and the entire people of Katsina State,”  said Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who led a team comprising  25 ministers to the solemn occasion.

    Stating that  Buhari served the nation with commitment, advised that as Nigerians, ”we must not let that vision fade.”

    Shettima expressed  Tinubu’s appreciation to Governor Dikko Radda for the support his administration extended to the Federal Government delegation to Buhari’s burial on Tuesday. 

    “Buhari served this country with commitment, and we must not let that vision fade,” Shettima added.

    The Vice President described   Buhari as a sincere and justice-driven leader, whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigerian and African history.

    He added that the former President, even in death, had proved to the world that he was truly one of Africa’s greatest sons.

    “Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity,” Shettima remarked.

    He offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Aljannah.

    Read Also: Shettima: Buhari pursued justice with sincerity, remains one of Africa’s greatest sons

    Waxing philosophical,  Shettima said, “In power, your friends know you; but out of power, you know your friends.

    ‘’In death, President Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa”.

    In his tribute, Governor Radda praised Buhari as a man of honesty and service, whose dedication to the Nigerian project was beyond dispute.

    The governor expressed the gratitude of the people of Katsina State to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the honour accorded to the memory of the late leader.

    He said: “We, the people of Katsina State, do not have enough words to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Tinubu showed uncommon compassion and respect for our people by allowing 25 cabinet members, led by the Vice President, to be physically present with us.

    ‘’We are especially grateful for the public holiday declared on the day Buhari was laid to rest.”  

      Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris reaffirmed Buhari’s place in national history, noting that he belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria and the world.

    “On behalf of the 25 ministers here, we appreciate the people of Daura and Katsina for the warmth and spiritual atmosphere of this event. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.

    Islamic clerics led by a former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Ali Pantami, opened the Fida’u with reflections on the transient nature of life and the spiritual duty of constant prayers for the dead.

    “Prayer for the departed should not be confined to a few days. It is a duty we must continuously uphold,” Pantami admonished.

    Minister of State for Agriculture  Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi also offered prayers on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) members. He  asked  Allah to “cover Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.”

    Leading clerics who offered prayers included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Nasir and Malam Hassan Daura.

    Bishop of Katsina Catholic Diocese also attended the session in a show of interfaith respect.

    Some of the ministers that accompanied Shettima to Daura are    Atiku Bagudu (Budget and National Planning),     Ali Pate(Health),   Abubakar Kyari(Agriculture) and  Badaru Abubakar (Defence).

     Other notable dignitaries at the prayer session included former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum;    former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)  Babagana Kingibe; former   Justice Minister Abubakar Malami;   Ambassador Adamu Daura; former governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), as well as a  former National Security Adviser(NSA) , Babagana Monguno.

    Also in attendance were former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; business mogul Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura; former Federal Capital Territory  Minister Muhammad Bello; the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade.

     The  Sultan of Maradi,   Niger Republic and thousands of mourners also attended.

  • Shettima: Buhari pursued justice with sincerity, remains one of Africa’s greatest sons

    Shettima: Buhari pursued justice with sincerity, remains one of Africa’s greatest sons

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a sincere and justice-driven leader, whose legacy will endure in the annals of Nigerian and African history. 

    Shettima, who led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to the 3rd-day (Fidau) prayer for the late former President in Daura, Katsina State, said Buhari, even in death, had proved to the world that he was truly one of Africa’s greatest sons.

    “Ibn Khaldun reminds us that the goal of civilisation is the attainment of justice. Justice is the bone that holds human society together. It was justice, as he understood it, that President Muhammadu Buhari pursued – often misunderstood, but always with sincerity”, Shettima remarked.

    The Vice President, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the solemn occasion, offered prayers for the repose of the late leader’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward him with Aljannah.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “in power, your friends know you; but out of power, you know your friends. In death, President Buhari has proved to the world that he is, indeed, one of the greatest sons of Africa”.

    Shettima further conveyed President Tinubu’s personal grief over the loss of his friend and political soulmate. 

    He expressed appreciation to Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State for the support extended to the Federal Government delegation, noting that the Katsina Governor had stood by the team from London through to the funeral rites in Nigeria.

    “As a government, we assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to protect the image and dignity of the Buhari family and the entire people of Katsina State,” Shettima stated.

    He disclosed that he would be returning to Abuja with members of the Buhari family for a special valedictory Federal Executive Council (FEC) session in honour of the late President.

    In his tribute, Governor Radda praised Buhari as a man of honesty and service, whose dedication to the Nigerian project was beyond dispute. 

    He expressed the gratitude of the people of Katsina to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the immense honour accorded to the memory of the late leader.

    “We, the people of Katsina State, do not have words enough to thank the Federal Republic of Nigeria. President Tinubu showed uncommon compassion and respect for our people by allowing 25 cabinet members, led by the Vice President, to be physically present with us. We are especially grateful for the public holiday declared on the day Buhari was laid to rest”, the Governor said.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed Buhari’s place in national history, noting that he belonged to Daura, Katsina, Nigeria, and the world.

    “On behalf of the 25 ministers here, we appreciate the people of Daura and Katsina for the warmth and spiritual atmosphere of this event. We call on all Nigerians to continue praying for the repose of his soul,” Idris said.

    Earlier, Islamic clerics led by Prof. Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, opened the Fidau prayer with reflections on the transient nature of life and the spiritual duty of constant prayers for the dead.

    “Prayer for the departed should not be confined to a few days. It is a duty we must continuously uphold,” Pantami admonished.

    Read Also: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura

    Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, also offered prayers on behalf of FEC members, asking Allah to “cover Buhari’s grave with mercy and admit him into Aljannah.”

    Leading clerics who offered prayers included Prof. Ibrahim Makari of the Abuja National Mosque, Sheikh Yahaya Jingir, Mamman Musa, Khalifa Mohammad Nasir, and Malam Hassan Daura. 

    Bishop of Katsina was also present in a show of interfaith respect.

    Among other notable dignitaries at the prayer session were former Vice President Namadi Sambo; Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Dikko Radda of Katsina; former SGF Ambassador Babagana Kingibe; former Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN; Ambassador Adamu Daura; former Governors Aminu Masari (Katsina) and Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara); and former NSA Babagana Monguno.

    Also in attendance were former DG of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; business mogul Mohammed Indimi; Buhari’s nephew Mamman Daura; former FCT Minister Muhammad Bello; the Emirs of Katsina, Daura and Bade; and the Sultan of Maradi from Niger Republic, alongside thousands of mourners from all over the country.

  • Group warns against attempts to disrupt Tinubu-Shettima alliance ahead of 2027

    Group warns against attempts to disrupt Tinubu-Shettima alliance ahead of 2027

    The Northern Vanguard (NV), a political advocacy group based in Abuja, has issued a strong warning to what it described as “desperate elements” allegedly working to undermine the growing synergy between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    In a statement on Thursday, the group’s President, Chief Edward Gulak, urged political detractors to end the “orchestrated campaign of discord” aimed at weakening the unity between the two leaders.

    Chief Gulak described the current atmosphere in the presidency as one of “uncommon loyalty, harmony, and shared vision,” adding that any attempt to sow division between Tinubu and Shettima was “not only mischievous but deeply unpatriotic.”

    “We are aware that some political merchants, driven by envy and personal bitterness, are hoping to manufacture a rift between President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in order to destabilise this administration ahead of 2027,” he said.

    He noted that such individuals are disappointed by the strong and united front presented by the President and his Vice, contrasting it with the strained relationship that once existed between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku Abubakar.

    Gulak also commended President Tinubu for what he described as “an inspired decision” in choosing Shettima as his running mate in 2023, noting that the former Borno State governor has fulfilled the expectations of his office with diligence and loyalty.

    “Mr. President must be commended for the foresight he showed in picking Senator Kashim Shettima—a man of character, discipline, and strategic depth—as his partner in progress. Those who underestimated his impact in the corridors of power now recognise that Shettima brings much more than symbolic balance to this ticket; he brings substance,” Gulak said.

    The Northern Vanguard went on to catalogue the vice president’s qualities, describing him as “a cerebral, loyal, and pragmatic public servant who has chosen to subordinate personal ambition to national interest.”

    “Shettima is not just a former governor with experience; he is an intellectual force, a patriot, and one of the few leaders who fully understands the complexities of Nigeria’s security, economy, and regional dynamics,” Gulak added.

    He warned that any attempt to ignite division between the two leaders will be resisted by Nigerians who value peace, cohesion, and continuity.

    “Nigerians are not interested in palace gossip or recycled scripts of infighting. They want leadership that works, that listens, and that delivers. And that is exactly what this duo is offering. If you destabilise them, you destabilise Nigeria,” Gulak said.

    According to the group, the ongoing loyalty and camaraderie between Tinubu and Shettima offer Nigeria a rare opportunity to build political stability that transcends election cycles.

    Read Also: Chinese president condoles with Tinubu over death of Buhari

    “Those who wanted to turn the Villa into a boxing ring between principal and deputy must now accept that history will not repeat itself. Vice President Shettima has shown uncommon maturity and statesmanship. He has remained loyal to his principal, refrained from unnecessary headlines, and committed himself to the business of governance,” the statement read.

    The group also called on the media and public commentators to be more discerning in their coverage and analysis, urging them to resist “subtle manipulations by agenda-driven actors who seek to invent crisis where none exists.”

    As Nigeria’s political class begins to prepare for the 2027 polls, the Northern Vanguard urged all stakeholders to channel their energies toward nation-building rather than sowing seeds of suspicion and division.

    “This administration needs focus, not friction. Those manufacturing conspiracy theories must be reminded that Nigerians are watching, and history will not be kind to those who choose sabotage over service,” Chief Gulak concluded.

  • Shettima, Radda, Atiku, other dignitaries attend Fidda’u prayers for Buhari in Daura

    Shettima, Radda, Atiku, other dignitaries attend Fidda’u prayers for Buhari in Daura

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum were among the prominent figures who attended the Fidda’u prayers held in honour of late President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in Daura.

    The solemn prayer session commenced at exactly 12 noon, drawing together a host of high-profile dignitaries, religious leaders, and traditional rulers.

    The Nation recalls that Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London hospital and was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura on Tuesday, in a ceremony attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several African leaders.

    Read Also: Rep. Etteh mourns Buhari, hails ex-President’s legacy of discipline, national service

    Among those present at the Fidda’u were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

    Also in attendance were former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari; NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa; the Emir of Daura, HRH Faruk Umar Faruk; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai (rtd); former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Aliyu Isah Pantami.

    Senator Abdul’Aziz Yar’adua, alongside other community leaders, religious clerics, and traditional rulers, also took part in the prayer session.

    Wednesday’s Fidda’u prayer served as a moment of reflection, remembrance, and continued spiritual support for the late Nigerian leader.

  • Shettima, governors head to Daura for Buhari’s third-day prayer

    Shettima, governors head to Daura for Buhari’s third-day prayer

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed for Daura, Katsina State, to attend prayers marking the third day since the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was laid to rest in his hometown on Tuesday.

    Acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima is leading a high-level delegation of government officials and sympathizers to the former President’s residence in Daura for the religious observance.

    Accompanying the Vice President are the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda. 

    Several ministers and dignitaries are also part of the entourage heading to Daura.

    The third-day prayer session is scheduled to hold on Thursday at the late President Buhari’s family compound and is expected to draw a large gathering of mourners, political associates, and members of the public.

    A brief alert on the schedule was made available on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha. 

    The visit underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to honouring his predecessor and showing continued support to the bereaved family.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima, foreign leaders bid Buhari farewell in Daura

    “A day after the burial of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in company with the Governors of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, and Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, is leading some ministers and mourners to Daura for prayers at the late former President’s residence in Daura, Katsina State.

    “The third-day prayer is expected to take place tomorrow with the Vice President leading other mourners at the prayers”, Nkwocha said.

    Former President Buhari died on Sunday, July 13, in London after a prolonged illness. 

    His body was flown back to Nigeria on Tuesday and was interred same day in Daura following a series of funeral rites attended by President Tinubu, African leaders, and other dignitaries.

    The third-day prayer is a solemn tradition in Islamic funeral rites, held to pray for the repose of the soul of the departed.