Tag: Shettima

A member of the Presidential Committee on Palliative Distribution, Dr. Maryam Shettima has assured of even distribution of palliatives to Nigerians.

She expressed satisfaction with the composition and distribution mechanism adopted by the government to address the immediate needs of flood victims in the North East and vulnerable communities across the North West as well as other parts of the country.

Shettima said the committee encompasses representatives from various political affiliations, ensuring a broad-based approach to addressing the crisis.

She said President Bola Tinubu was intensifying efforts to mitigate food shortage in impacted regions across the nation through new initiatives in the agricultural sector.

Shettima stated this in an interview on Arise Television where she discussed the Tinubu administration’s palliatives regime, critical issues of targeting efficacy, specifically how effectively the initiatives are reaching the most vulnerable populations, the mechanisms in place to ensure transparency, accountability, and probity in the distribution of the palliatives and other related issues.

She said 19 trucks of 25kg bags of rice have been sent to Kano State, adding that: “this is just the beginning of the palliative distribution across the nation.”

She expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable and national economic growth.

Shettima said: “Being one of the committee members of the palliative distribution in Kano State, under the chairmanship of His Excellency, the Deputy Senate president, Senator Burau Jibrin, it has been quite an eventful and interesting one.

“Like it was clearly seen, how a very heavy delegation from the Federal Government was sent to Kano to launch this initiative to kickstart the rice distribution palliative in the entire North West. This is not just happening in the North West it is actually going to cut across the entire six zones of the nation. And the most fascinating thing about this is that it is totally inclusive.

“Look at the way the government approach ensures that it cuts across party affiliations. It has nothing to do with parties. It is purely for the vulnerable, and it goes on to show the commitment of Mr. President in taking care of the vulnerable and being concerned about their welfare thoroughly.

Read Also: Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation to UNGA

“I must commend the Deputy Senate president who also doubles as the chairman of the committee in Kano. I think what really appeals to me in the whole of this, is the composition. When you look at the composition of the members of this committee, you would realise that the government is really serious about the poor. It cares. It means business that these palliatives need to reach the targeted people, noted Shettima who disclosed that both Senators and House Representatives members of the NNPP made up the full committee to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.

“Nothing encourages transparency as such, and nothing encourages you more than transparency as being all inclusive, carrying everyone along. This is the State of the Nation and I am happy the President is a listener. He’s a good listener. And this quick intervention of the palliative is an indicator of his empathy and how much he cares for the vulnerable in Nigeria, and that he is not aloof to the problems, and he is telling them that he cares. And you know this, the modalities implemented are quite incredible, and I believe with time, this will be applied in the rest of the zones of the country.

“You can’t place better measures in place to ensure this rice truly reaches the people that need it throughout the nooks and crannies of Kano state, throughout the nooks and crannies of the Northwest and even Nigeria at large.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, as President Bola Tinubu prioritises addressing domestic issues, particularly the recent devastating flooding that has affected the country.

This was made known on Thursday in a state-issued by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu, who recently returned from trips to China and the United Kingdom, has directed VP Shettima to deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend key sideline events, and engage in bilateral meetings.

The high-level General Debate, themed “Leaving no one behind acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,” will take place from September 24 to 28, 2024.

“President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.

“The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the United Kingdom, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings.

Read Also: Shettima calls for inter-agency collaboration to drive Tinubu’s agenda

“The high-level General Debate, with the theme ‘Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations’, will run from Tuesday, September 24, through Saturday, September 28, 2024”, the statement said.

The UNGA provides a unique forum for multilateral discussions on international issues, with all 193 Member States having an equal vote.

The Assembly makes key decisions for the UN, including appointing the Secretary-General, electing non-permanent Security Council members, and approving the UN budget.

…As NCP ratifies BPE’s 2021, 2022 audited financial reports

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised the need for close collaboration among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda across various sectors.

This is just as the National Council on Privatization (NCP) chaired by the Vice President on Wednesday ratified the 2021 and 2022 audit financial reports of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Council also approved the progress made so far by the BPE in the implementation of its 2024 work plan aimed at strengthening its operations.

The Council’s approvals were among the decisions taken at the 3rd meeting of the NCP chaired by Vice President Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

The Council also directed the BPE to further engage with the relevant parties in the resolution of the dispute in the sale of the Sapele II (Ogorode Generation Company Ltd) and the sale of coal blocks belonging to the Nigerian Coal Corporation.

In his remarks during the meeting, the Vice President commended the new management of the BPE for its diligence and renewed vision, urging stakeholders to support the realization of the bureau’s set objectives.

He particularly commended the agency for its close supervision and conclusion of the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant concession, as well as efforts to establish an Independent System Operator.

Read Also: Tinubu, Shettima for SMEDAN national conference

Senator Shettima further tasked the agency to work with the various committees of the NCP and the Ministry of Justice, and come up with a robust road map to expedite the completion of outstanding transactions, in the interest of the nation.

The Vice President noted that making important decisions in the power sector would be critical to tackling the perennial issues in the country’s energy industry.

Presenting a progress report on the 2024 work plan of the BPE, the Director General, Mr Ayodeji Gbeleyi, reported that the Bureau generated the sum of N93.47 billion in the first and second quarters of the year 2024 from three transactions, representing 35.9% of the expected revenues during the period under review.

The DG highlighted measures adopted by the agency to improve its operations such as the strengthening of concession management capacity, reinvigoration of post-transaction management capacity for effective performance, and the deployment of best practices in reform optimization of public enterprises.

Also, present at the meeting were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Solicitor General of the Federation & Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Engr Faruk Yabo, and the representative of the CBN Governor among others.

…says halal economy aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to become a leading hub in the global halal economy, projected to reach $7.7 trillion by 2025.

He said the nation’s economic and demographic size puts it in a vantage position to map out a vibrant investment sector for the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025.

Senator Shettima who stated this on Wednesday, September 18, during the Halal Economy Stakeholders Engagement Programme held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noted however that Nigeria must first reassess its weaknesses and prioritize its strength to achieve this economic feat.

This was contained in a statement issued by the senior special assistant to the president on media and information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

“For Nigeria to become a hub of opportunities in the global halal economy, we must prioritise our strengths and reassess our weaknesses. Today’s engagement provides a platform for us to collaborate with key international organisations.

“This will allow us to develop a comprehensive halal ecosystem and agree on strategies that will position Nigeria as a top halal exporter, targeting high-value markets,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President commended the private sector for its immense “contributions to driving the halal economy, particularly in the financial sector”, even as he encouraged all stakeholders to partner with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering the halal ecosystem.

He said: “To ensure this, we must attract international investment by showcasing the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s halal sector through investor summits, roadshows, and business matchmaking events.

“The expansion of regional trade, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), also provides us with a pathway to become a leading supplier of halal goods and services across Africa.

“Therefore, we must increase public awareness through strategic orientation campaigns, specialised training programmes, and deeper engagement with the global market to elevate the visibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s halal ecosystem.”

Describing halal as an economy that accommodates all actors and stakeholders, VP Shettima noted that the halal market holds vast potential that aligns “with the overarching agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

On why the nation will become a leading hub for investment in the halal economy, the VP said, “Nigeria’s economic and demographic size gives us a unique advantage in developing a vibrant halal investment sector.

“With the global halal economy projected to reach a market value of $7.7 trillion by 2025, this opportunity is not only recognised by Muslim-majority countries but also seized by non-Muslim nations, which have become leading exporters of halal products. They understand that the halal ecosystem is designed to meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability preferred by specific consumers.

Read Also: Capital market key to $1tr economy, says Shettima

“This alignment with ethical principles and rigorous standards provides a compelling avenue for investment and commerce and reinforces our commitment to fostering a dynamic halal economy in Nigeria.”

The Vice President further noted that the lack of clarity and understanding surrounding compliance with investments in the halal economy had stifled vast potential in savings, business ventures, and investments.

Senator Shettima however expressed delight that in an era of knowledge and enlightenment, more Nigerians are now getting rid of outdated concerns and are, instead, embracing the need to have a say in how their money is invested.

He continued: “They seek secure products and services that align with the principles of transparency and ethical certainty, free from interest-driven practices. We must, however, note that Nigeria has already embraced the halal economy.

“We have flourishing financial institutions that offer profit-sharing and investment opportunities that resonate with the expectations of savers and investors, regardless of their faith. The remarkable success of Islamic finance instruments, such as Sukuk, which have funded infrastructure projects across the country, is a testament to the widespread appeal of halal finance.

“As Islamic banks continue to penetrate international markets, we are inspired to position ourselves as leaders in this growing sector, ensuring that Nigerians fully explore the opportunities it provides”.

Earlier, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, who emphasized the importance of this initiative, said, “Nigeria, as one of the largest economies in Africa, is launching this programme to engage with the global Halal market. We are determined to position Nigeria as a leader in the Halal economy, not just in Africa but globally.”

Also, Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Aliyu Bunu Sheriff, highlighted halal economic potential, noting that “if we can increase our Halal exports to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries from 2% to 6% over the next four years, it could boost our GDP by $548 million.”

Sheriff listed some of the key objectives of the initiative to include establishing a robust regulatory framework for Halal certification, increasing consumer awareness about Halal products, enhancing production capacity and partnering with international Halal organisations.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, provided key statistics, saying, “Nigeria’s domestic spending on Halal products and services reached approximately 107 billion dollars in 2022.

“This sector is projected to grow at a rate of 10.7%, reaching 180 billion dollars by 2027. This positions Nigeria as the 8th largest domestic Halal economy globally and the second largest in Africa,” he added.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said, “Halal products are not just for Muslims. There are over 125 products that are produced in the Halal way. This presents a huge opportunity for rapid growth and improved competitiveness, enhancing our ability to export.”

He explained that the government is collaborating with international bodies such as the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB), Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and Halal Product Development Company, Saudi Arabia (HPDC) to ensure Nigerian Halal products meet global standards.

In a keynote speech, the Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, emphasised the D-8’s economic significance based on its statistics, saying with a combined population of 1.16 billion people and a GDP of $4.92 trillion in 2023, the D-8 holds substantial economic potential.

He said the organisation, of which Nigeria is a member, has also advanced trade facilitation through the Preferential Trade Agreement and is working to boost intra-trade to $500 billion by 2030.

“To do that, one of our programmes is to deepen our trade in the Halal industry and for this purpose, we have established the D8 Comprehensive Strategy on Tourism and the Crescent Moon Initiative.

“Currently, the intra-trade among the D-8 Members stands at US$146 billion. This does not reflect the true potential of a market with 1.16 billion people,” Imam said.

Other dignitaries present at the event were Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; former Minister of Finance and Vice President of Islamic Development Bank Group, Dr. Mansur Muhtar; Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, Abba Bello; Deputy Governor (Corporate Services) of Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Bala Bello; Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mohammed Ibrahim; former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission and Co-chairman of the committee to coordinate the implementation of livestock reforms, Professor Attahiru Jega, among many others.

…signing of CTC practice directions will transform Nigeria into Africa’s economic powerhouse – Onyema

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to creating a conducive operating environment for airlines in Nigeria.

He lauded last Thursday’s signing of the CTC Practice Directions, describing it as a major boost for ease of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

According to a statement issued by the senior special assistant to the president on media and information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima gave the assurance on Tuesday, September 17, during a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation sector under the aegis of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting was part of the federal government’s bid to address Foreign Exchange issues and the backlog of payments with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, noted the fragile nature of airline operations, saying “Airlines are exceptional, and any little thing can take an airline out of the market.”

The Air Peace boss stressed the need for continued support for airlines in line with global practice to ensure the sector’s sustainability and growth. “All over the world, airlines are supported to support the economy. It is not elitist,” he pointed out.

Onyema particularly praised the federal government’s bold step in signing the CTC Practice Directions last Thursday, which he said will have far-reaching effects.

Read Also: Shettima pledges fed govt’s support for traditional institutions

“What you did on Thursday is going to open up this country to become an economic powerhouse,” he declared, just as he said the move would enable airlines to “start inter-connecting everywhere” and expand their reach across Africa.

“Even within Nigeria, you have just empowered the nation by doing that alone. In fact, the ease of doing business in the aviation sector is back,” the Air Peace CEO added.

Onyema also called for additional measures to support the industry’s growth, suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria can give airline operators a window within their system because of the problems of the time,” for airlines to navigate the current challenges”.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on PEBEC & Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, said the meeting was fruitful, as the federal government continues to explore ways of enhancing the business environment in the country.

She said that stakeholders in the aviation sector will continue to engage each other, to address challenges and make the environment conducive for improved investment and better service delivery to customers.

Also present at the meeting were, the Chairman of Azman Airline, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa; the Head of Finance, Air Peace, Mrs Ejiro Eghagha; the Director of Risk Management at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Blaise Ijebor, and officials from the National Hajj Commission, among others.

…extols Oba of Benin’s leadership in fostering unity, upholding rich culture

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering support for traditional institutions in Nigeria, recognizing their crucial role in nation-building and cultural preservation.

He noted that traditional rulers have an age-long practice of sustaining peace and preserving the culture of their people.

Senator Shettima spoke on Saturday when he paid homage to the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, in his palace while on a visit to Benin City, the Edo State capital for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial campaign ahead of the next Saturday’s governorship.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima maintained that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to engaging with traditional rulers across the nation to tap into their wisdom.

He stated: “I am assuring you of the federal government’s unwavering support for traditional institutions like yours. Our administration recognizes the crucial role that traditional rulers play as custodians of our cultural heritage and as key stakeholders in national development.

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“You play a great role in fostering peace, unity and progress in our great country. Your role in conflict resolution, promoting harmonious coexistence and in guiding our youths cannot be overemphasized”.

The VP described the Oba of Benin as a living history, adding that the monarch has played a great role in fostering unity and upholding the revered culture built by his ancestors.

“Your imperial majesty, you have shown remarkable leadership. Continue to uphold the rich traditions of your ancestors while embracing progress and development for your people. You are one of the most respected rulers in this country.

“Your efforts in promoting Benin culture, fostering unity among your people, and advocating for the return of stolen Benin artifacts have not gone unnoticed. The recent return of some of these treasures underscores your diplomatic skills. It is a testament to the ingenuity, organization, and wisdom that have been the hallmarks of the Benin Kingdom for centuries,” he said.

VP Shettima also solicited the royal father’s blessings for the APC governorship candidate, Senator Monday Opkebhole, as Edo State goes to the polls on Saturday to elect a new Governor.

“Our party’s candidate Senator Monday Okpebhole comes with a vision of progress and development for Edo State, building on the illustrious history of this great land. We believe that with your support and the collective will of the Edo people, we can usher in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity for the state,” the Vice President said.

Responding, Oba Ewuare II, who thanked the Vice President for visiting him, solicited the federal government’s support for the construction of the Benin Royal Museum.

He appreciated the Vice President for praising the Benin culture and tradition, which he said he would do his best to continue to preserve.

The main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the governing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo on Saturday held the grand finale of their governorship campaigns in Benin, the state capital.

APC’s mega rally held at the Sports Complex of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Main Campus, on Benin-Lagos Expressway while PDP’s grand finale of governorship campaign took place at Garrick Playground, opposite Ekenwan Campus of UNIBEN.

The Labour Party (LP) is yet to hold the grand finale of its governorship campaign but its governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata expressed optimism of emerging victorious next Saturday. 

 APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo and PDP’s Dr. Asue Ighodalo are two leading contenders. 

Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who was in Benin for APC’s rally, paid courtesy visit on Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, before proceeding to UNIBEN’s sports complex. 

Shettima assured that with the support of traditional institution in Edo, and the collective will of the residents, the state would develop.

He hailed Oba of Benin’s skillful balancing of tradition with modernity by ensuring that the values and customs of Benin people were preserved.

The Vice President said: “As we approach the governorship election in this great and beautiful state of Edo, we seek your blessings and counsel. Our party’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is searching for progress and development of this great state.

“With your support, and the collective will of Edo people, we can usher in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity for the state.”

The foremost traditional ruler wished the Vice President and other top politicians of APC well in their endeavours.

Senator Shettima was accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh; the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; former National Chairman of APC, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and the reinstated Edo Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu,

 Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Bassey Otu (Cross River);  Hope Uzodimma (Imo); Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Umar Namadi (Jigawa); AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara) and and Ahmed Ododo  (Kogi) attended the mega rally. 

Senator Francis Alimikhena (former Edo North) and an ex-representative of Oredo constituency in the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, who was a governorship aspirant on PDP’s platform, among other chieftains of PDP and LP, defected to APC at the mega rally.

The Vice President, while later speaking at UNIBEN sports complex, stated that Edo needed a strategic thinker, builder, and compassionate leader as Okpebholo from November 12 this year.

Shettima also reiterated that prosperity could not thrive without peace, while urging the electorate to massively vote for the APC, in order to move the state forward

Akpabio stated that he had implicit confidence in Okpebholo, whom he said would be a performer as Edo Governor.

Ganduje noted that the intimidating crowd was a sign of victory for APC, while expressing optimism that Okpebholo would move Edo to the next level.

Oshiomhole pointed out that PDP’s house had been emptied with the massive defections by notable politicians into APC, while alleging that Obaseki performed poorly as Edo governor.

Otu declared that Edo needed a change with Okpebholo to ensure good governance.

The standard bearer of APC in Edo gave an assurance that he would move the state forward from November 12 this year, and to declare a state of emergency on Edo roads.

The Director-General of Edo APC governorship campaign council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, assured that Okpebholo would bring an end to what he described as lack of commensurate development in the state.

Read Also: Shettima pledges fed govt’s continued support to flood victims

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while speaking at PDP’s mega rally in Benin reiterated that in 2020, they said they would not allow PDP to win, but they were shown that “Edo no be Lagos,” while assuring that the party (PDP) would still win on September 21.

Atiku urged the electorate to vote massively for Ighodalo and protect their votes, so as to emerge victorious.

The Acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, noted that the poll would be a test for Nigeria’s democracy. 

The Chairman, National Campaign Council for Edo election, Ahmadu Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State, warned against compromisation of the electoral process. 

Obaseki expressed optimism that Ighodalo would emerge victorious.

…says states will get additional reliefs, more recovery support

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting victims of flooding and insecurity across Nigeria, promising additional relief for severely affected states.

He said both the federal and state governments, alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), are actively working to enhance support for displaced communities.

Speaking on Friday, September 13, during an assessment visit to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Gwada, Shiroro local government area of Niger State, the Vice President assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains focused on effective governance and the welfare of all Nigerians beyond political considerations.

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

He said: “We are in here at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give the commitment of the federation government to supporting the people of Niger State towards addressing the food challenges caused by the flood and the insecurity that has been bedevilling this part of the country.

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“We have come to reaffirm the President’s irrevocable commitment towards ameliorating the sufferings of our people. This is a symbolic gesture to assure the government and people of Niger State that the President is poised to assist all states of the federation towards addressing these challenges.”

VP Shettima recalled that the federal government had already disbursed ₦3 billion to each state to address flooding issues.

He however emphasized that it was just the beginning of a more comprehensive support plan, saying “This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as some States like Borno, Niger, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Jigawa are concerned.”

The Vice President explained that states’ eligibility to receive additional federal government support will be evidence-driven and based on detailed assessments of needs.

“We will do our assessment and we will be very scientific in our approach. All states that deserve to be supported will be fully supported because governance is about the people,” VP Shettima said.

 On the broader scope of the government’s infrastructure plans, the Vice President said, “In the contemporary history of Nigeria, no President has intervened decisively in the area of infrastructure greater than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

He cited ongoing projects such as the East-West Road and the Sokoto-Badagry Road as examples of the administration’s commitment to national development.

Regarding the immediate concerns of the IDPs, VP Shettima assured that returning them to their communities was a priority, just as he disclosed that the federal and state governments, in collaboration with NEMA, were working on additional interventions for the displaced persons.

“We are here and we will support our people. It’s not about politics; it’s about governance and improving the living conditions of our people,” he affirmed.

Earlier, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, informed the IDPs that Vice President Shettima had come to offer condolences and deliver some intervention items.

He also informed the Vice President that the Gwada camp is one of 14 camps across the state housing those displaced by both floods and insecurity.

Governor Bago expressed his gratitude to the federal government delegation led by the VP for showing solidarity with the state during this challenging time.

Others in the federation government’s delegation included the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Speaker of Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji; Emir of Minna, Dr Umaru Faruq Bahago, and members of the State Executive Council, among others.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to the recurring flood in Borno State, which has displaced several communities.

He spoke in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State while overseeing the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures aimed at addressing the ravaging floods.

During his visit to the city for an on-the-spot assessment of the floods, Shettima acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating it has “far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades.”

Despite prior contingency plans and proactive measures, the Vice President admitted that the flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond previous experiences.

However, he assured that the Federal Government remained determined to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas.

Shettima emphasised the need for unity in the face of adversity, saying, “Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered.”

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to evacuate and resettle residents, provide food, shelter, and medical assistance, and collaborate with the Borno State government to address the crisis.

“Now, more than ever, we are compelled as a nation to come together to overcome the losses suffered, and we are committed to finding lasting solutions to this recurring issue.

“As we speak, efforts are ongoing to evacuate and resettle residents in the affected areas, while ensuring the provision of food, shelter, and medical assistance until the situation stabilises.

“In response to our 2024 Flood Outlook, we had implemented comprehensive contingency plans and adopted proactive measures to mitigate potential impacts.

“Despite these preparations, the severity of this flood has far exceeded our estimates, marking the most catastrophic flood in Maiduguri in over three decades. The flood’s unprecedented scale has presented challenges beyond our previous experiences.

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“Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains determined in its commitment. As with other states facing similar crises, we will continue with the plans previously initiated in collaboration with the Borno State government. We are resolute in mobilising all necessary resources to ensure the safety and support of affected persons and areas”, said

The Vice President highlighted the use of Flood Outlook reports, informed by historical data, climate forecasts, and hydrological modelling, to guide the implementation of flood mitigation measures.

These measures are designed to provide a clear path forward in managing the varying degrees of flood risks across different regions and timelines.

“I am in Maiduguri to oversee the implementation of comprehensive flood mitigation measures. These measures will be in line with our Flood Outlook reports, which are informed by historical data, climate forecasts, and hydrological modelling, to provide a clear path forward in managing the varying degrees of flood risks across different regions and timelines.

“We will overcome this tragedy as long as our resolve remains strong, as long as we remain united, as long as we remain compassionate, and as long as we prioritise strategic actions to emerge from this even stronger than ever,” he said.