Tag: Shettima

• …says Africa must turn vast potential into tangible jobs, prosperity

• …as delegation briefs FG on Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship, expanded support for startups

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday lauded the transformative impact of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the global entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, saying its initiatives have helped raise over $1.5 billion and created more than 30,000 direct jobs in the last two decades.

Shettima, however, urged African entrepreneurs and professionals to close ranks to fully harness the continent’s enormous potential, stressing that collaboration is critical to leveraging MIT’s resource-mobilisation networks and job-creation opportunities.

The Vice President spoke while receiving a delegation from the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship 2025–2026, led by MIT’s Executive Director for the Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, Dina Sherif, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima while calling for unity of purpose among African innovators, said Africa stands at a defining moment. 

“Africa is the new frontier and the future belongs to the continent, but its people must unite to transform potential into tangible results that impact lives and livelihoods,” he said.

He added that while the continent is endowed with vast human and material resources, meaningful progress would only come through collective action. 

“Africa is blessed with enormous human and material resources, but its people must fuse into one to benefit from the tremendous opportunities that abound across the continent,” the Vice President noted.

Shettima also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deliberately leveraging available opportunities to transform Nigeria’s economy, stressing that bold leadership is required to achieve sustainable change. 

According to him, “President Tinubu is not afraid of taking bold decisions that will reposition Nigeria’s economy and better the lives and livelihoods of the people.”

Earlier, Sherif said the delegation was at the Presidential Villa to brief the Vice President on the activities of the Kuo Sharper Centre for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship, which she described as being dedicated to “fueling the engine of entrepreneurship across the world.”

She explained that the team was in Nigeria as part of activities under the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship programme, which she said has helped entrench the spirit of entrepreneurship across Africa. 

Sherif underscored the importance of collaboration among African startups, noting that Nigeria remains a leading hub, as reflected in the progress recorded by startups across the continent.

She further assured of enhanced support for African-based startups through the centre’s various initiatives aimed at scaling innovation, improving access to capital and strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Those present at the meeting included the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs Zubaida Umar, as well as fellows of the Kuo Sharper Foundry Fellowship 2025–2026 session drawn from across Africa.

…says enduring legacies are built on discipline, consistency, strength of character

…extols Hadiza Bala Usman’s public service record at 50th birthday colloquium

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged Nigerian public servants to remain selfless and committed to excellence, stressing that enduring legacies in service are sustained by daily discipline, consistency of effort, and strength of character.

Senator Shettima spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a colloquium organised to mark the 50th birthday of Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the most impactful records in public service are built through resilience and a steady commitment to excellence, regardless of the challenges inherent in building durable institutions.

“If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,” he said.

Eulogising the celebrant, Shettima described Bala Usman as a mirror not only for the northern Nigerian girl, but for the nation at large, noting that her public service legacy was neither built on spectacle nor sustained by applause.

“There is no doubt that Usman’s place in our public service history is secure. What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care,” the Vice President said.

He added that Bala Usman earned her influence through a rare blend of grace and grit, clarity guided by courage, and a deliberate commitment to excellence that has helped shape Nigeria’s national direction.

The Vice President noted that her journey was particularly significant, given the scarcity of role models for ambitious young women in parts of the country, stressing that her rise provided proof that such ambition is not only permitted but attainable through hard work and conviction.

“She grew into responsibility early, stepping into critical policy spaces when many are still finding their voice,” Shettima said, adding that her achievements were deliberate and sustained by faith in the demanding work of nation-building.

“May your example continue to guide those who still believe that service, when done well, can ennoble a nation,” he concluded.

In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the gathering was convened to honour a life defined by purpose, courage and unwavering commitment to service under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila recalled that when Bala Usman transitioned into state and national government, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities, eventually enforcing far-reaching reforms at the Nigerian Ports Authority, one of the country’s most strategic and complex agencies.

Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended Bala Usman’s support for initiatives benefiting young Nigerians, noting her consistent relevance to youth-focused programmes across government.

Read Also: Shettima to chair Bala-Usman at 50 governance colloquium

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar Abubakar, described the celebrant as a friend of over three decades, praising her commitment to principles, quiet clarity and conviction in both private and public life.

Responding, Bala Usman expressed gratitude to the dignitaries who attended the colloquium, thanking President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima and others for their roles in her political and personal journey.

She recalled her involvement in election planning since 2015 and her tenure at the NPA, reaffirming her commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the continued betterment of Nigeria.

Other attendees at the event were ministers, including Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation); Abubakar Kyrie (Agriculture and Food Security); Ayodele Olawande (Youth Development); Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad (Education State); Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (FCT State).

Also at the event were former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; as well as the Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole; the spouse of the celebrant and Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko; among other top dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to strengthen and empower the Nigerian Armed Forces to overcome the security challenges confronting the country.

Shettima gave the assurance on Friday at a special Juma’at prayer held at the National Mosque to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima paid glowing tribute to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as well as to serving personnel safeguarding the lives and property of citizens across the country.

January 15 is observed annually by the Federal Government to honour the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The armed forces recently redesignated the observance as “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day,” replacing the former “Armed Forces Remembrance Day,” to reflect its dual purpose of honouring serving officers and remembering fallen heroes.

Addressing worshippers during the special prayers, the Vice President acknowledged the sacrifices of the military and other security agencies and expressed optimism that, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria would witness enduring peace and prosperity.

“Our prayer is for Allah to forgive the rest of our deceased officers and men, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses,” Shettima said.

He further prayed for divine protection and empowerment for the armed forces to surmount the nation’s security challenges, expressing confidence that peace would prevail in due course.

“We pray to the Almighty Allah to continue to protect and empower our armed forces to subdue all the crises that are bedevilling our nation. And, in sha Allah, in the fullness of time, we shall have enduring peace and prosperity in Nigeria,” the Vice President added.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is marked nationwide with prayers and ceremonies to honour serving personnel and remember officers and men who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Benue State to attend the wedding reception of Samuel Aondoakura, son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The marriage celebration unites Samuel Aondoakura and Deborah Ershima, daughter of Msula Atoga, an engineer. 

Read Also: Group urges Tinubu to prosecute Gumi over terror-related comments

On his arrival, the Vice President, who represented President Bola Tinubu, was warmly received by the SGF, Governor of Benue State Dr. Hyacinth Alia, and other prominent state officials.

He was also accorded a Guard of Honour before proceeding to the venue of the reception.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured residents of Borno State and Nigerians nationwide that the Federal Government remains resolute in its duty to protect lives and property, following the bomb explosion at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

 The Vice President, who visited survivors of the attack receiving treatment at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre, yesterday, conveyed the sympathy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to the victims.

 Speaking in Maiduguri after meeting the injured, the VP described the attack as senseless violence and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to end insecurity in Borno State and across the country.

Read Also: CDS pledges resilient, disciplined military to safeguard Nigeria’s unity

 “We are here on behalf of the President to sympathise with the victims and to reassure the good people of Borno State and indeed the entire nation, that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to secure the lives and property of our citizens,” the Vice President said.

 According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications Office of the Vice President, Shettima added “by the grace of God, this madness will soon be brought to an end.”

 Visibly moved by the condition of those on admission, the Vice President also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for his sustained efforts in addressing security and humanitarian challenges in the state, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen collaboration with the state to achieve lasting peace.

 “The Governor of Borno has been working round the clock to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. I sincerely appreciate his commitment,” VP Shettima said.

 Emphasising national unity in the face of adversity, he added: “Most importantly, we are united in victory as well as in challenges. We are one nation, tied to a common destiny.”

 Briefing the Vice President during the visit, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital disclosed that 14 patients were admitted following the blast, with one patient dying shortly after arrival.

 According to him, seven victims remained on admission, including one in critical condition at the intensive care unit, while five others had been treated and discharged.