The contributions of academics to Nigeria’s development have been hailed as crucial to achieving a more secure and prosperous nation.
According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, the intellectual inquiry and data-driven analysis of scholars can help chart a course towards a brighter future for Nigeria.
Speaking at the public presentation of two books written by Prof. Abdullahi Shehu, the Vice President praised the author’s scholarship, saying the books are “topical and much-awaited interventions in our public discourse and policy circles.”
According to a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President urged academics to support the government’s efforts to address the country’s challenges, noting that empirical research is essential for informing policy reforms and driving national development.
The Vice President, who was represented by Dr. Aliyu Moddibo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), emphasized that academics have a critical role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future.
“Beyond standing as custodians of the nation’s memory, scholars can help us navigate the complexities of our national challenges and find solutions that work for all,” he said.
The books, “Boko Haram and Other Security Challenges in Nigeria: Issues and Options for Policy” and “Reflections on the 2023 General Elections,” were praised as essential reading for those tasked with protecting lives and properties.
The Vice President urged Nigerians to embrace the ideas and discoveries presented in the books, saying, “We must ensure that our dear brother’s work doesn’t merely remain a literary exercise.”
The event highlighted the importance of academic research in informing policy and driving national development.
The Vice President’s call to action underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing the expertise of academics to build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
The Federal Government has inaugurated a technical committee to kick off the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.
Vice President Kashim Shettima hailed the development as the dawn of a new era, according to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
The iDICE Programme, a collaboration between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
The National Economic Council (NEC) had in its last meeting last monh endorsed the implementation of the $617.7 million i-DICE programme in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Vice President expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to redefine the nation’s digital and creative landscape.
“We embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunity – a journey that holds the power to redefine the trajectory of our nation’s digital and creative landscape,” VP Shettima said.
Ex-minister Akinyemi begins academy on global affairs
Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday sought the support of all Nigerians to enable the Bola Tinubu administration effectively address the challenges confronting the country.
Shettima spoke in Abuja at the official inauguration and investiture of the Academy of International Affairs Nigeria, a private sector-led think thank that contributes to the nation’s foreign policy formulation and implementation, founded by erstwhile Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was the chairman at the event.
The Vice President said the current administration acknowledged the various challenges facing the country, stressing that it needed the citizens to have faith and support its programmes to rescue Nigeria from the woods.
Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Hakkim Baba Ahmed, said: “Nigeria lives with historic limitations and multiple contemporary challenges. We will not claim that we are self-sufficient in answers to dealing with poverty levels, limited resources for critical infrastructure and raising skilled and educated younger Nigerians.
“We need to begin to think of a future full of opportunities as well. In the next two decades, Nigeria will have one of the largest, youngest, and most enterprising population in a world that will be aging and changing.
“We need to survive our current challenges with courage, wisdom, patriotism, and vision of a great future full of our opportunities for the next generation of Nigerians.”
Commenting on the essence of the academy, Shettima said: “We will leave our doors open to this academy for ideas and recommendations. This academy will be a think tank we cannot afford to ignore. We need your inputs on achieving our priorities in the contexts of often harsh and unforgiving circumstances.
“It is a great to honour to witness the birth of an academy which has a great potential to make great improvements in the management of our foreign policy as we speak and in future.
“It is even more remarkable that the inspiration and impetus behind the formation of this academy was entirely the initiative of distinguished foreign service officers who have paid their dues to our country many times over.
“History will record this day as a key bookmark in the place of our elite in keeping the faith that our country can continue to rely on them to place before it their entire assets in patriotism, skills and competences.”
Those inducted as fellows of the academy are: Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; a former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA); Prof. Bola Akinterinwa; as well as Ambassador Godknows Igali, Prof. Joy Ogwu, Henry Odien Ajumogibia, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bande, General Martins Agwai (retd.), Ambassador John Shinkaiye, Ambassador Segun Apata, Ambassador Jaiyeola Lewu, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun, Ambassador Hadiza Mustpha, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Prof. Hassan Saliu, Prof. Eghosa Osagie, Ambassador Brownson Dede, Prof. Jide Owoeye, General Obidan Ethan (retd.), and Ambassador Jibrin Chinade.
Two other persons – Dr. Akin Akinyemi and Prof. Adewumi Falode – got Ordinary Fellow of the academy.
Four honourary fellows of the academy are: Philip Asiodu, Ambassador Abdullah Attah, Ambassador Sefiya Judith Attah, and Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah.
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday, March 25, called for the support of all Nigerians in the efforts to address the challenges bedeviling the country.
Shettima spoke in Abuja at the official Inauguration and Investiture of the Academy of International Affairs, Nigeria, a private-led Tink thank that aims to contribute to foreign policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria.
The Academy was founded by Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi who also doubled as the president.
Speaking at the occasion, the vice president, said the administration accepted that there were challenges but only needed the people to have faith and support the government in its effort to bring Nigeria out of the woods.
Shettima, who was represented by Hakkim Baba Ahmed, Special Adviser, Political Affairs said: “This administration acknowledges the severity of our challenges, although we are also convinced that Nigeria shall survive its current challenges.
“What we need is faith and support, the same assets that saw us through major challenges in our past.”
He also added: “Nigeria lives with historic limitations and multiple contemporary challenges, and we will not claim that we are self-sufficient in answers to dealing with poverty levels, limited resources for critical infrastructure, and raising skilled and educated younger Nigerians.
“We need to begin to think of a future full of opportunities as well. In the next two decades, Nigeria will have one of the largest, youngest, and most enterprising populations in a world that will be aging and changing.
“We need to survive our current challenges with courage, wisdom, patriotism, and vision of a great future full of our opportunities for the next generation of Nigerians.”
Speaking on the Bolaji Akinyemi-led Academy of International Affairs, Shettima hailed its emergence at this period of need, saying, “The international environment is becoming increasingly more complex and more demanding of our best intellects, professionalism, commitments and visions to find spaces within areas demanding consensus, or in competitions with others and managing conflicts.”
He added: “Nigeria lives with historic limitations and multiple contemporary challenges, and we will not claim that we are self-sufficient in answers to dealing with poverty levels, limited resources for critical infrastructure and raising skilled and educated younger Nigerians.”
He assured the Academy that government doors would be open to them.
He said: “We will leave our doors open to this Academy for ideas and recommendations. This Academy will be a Think Tank we cannot afford to ignore. We need your input on achieving our priorities in the context of often harsh and unforgiving circumstances.
“It is a great honour to witness the birth of an Academy which has great potential to make great improvements in the management of our foreign policy as we speak and in the future.
“It is even more remarkable that the inspiration and impetus behind the formation of this Academy was entirely the initiative of distinguished Foreign Service officers who have paid their dues to our country many times over.
“History will record this day as a key bookmark in the place of our elite in keeping the faith that our country can continue to rely on them to place before it their entire assets in patriotism, skills, and competencies.
“You have vindicated a widely-acknowledged truism that nations which know what was best for them trusted the conduct of their foreign policy only to its best and the brightest. Allow me therefore to place on record today, the nation’s inestimable gratitude to all our Foreign Service officers who saw our nation through its best and most challenging moments.
“I hope there are enough serving Foreign Service officers in this building today who should draw inspiration from the undying passion of service to the fatherland from all the Fellows and other members of the Foreign Service officers.”
He also congratulated Professor Akinyemi and other the Fellows of the Academy “for stepping up when the nation needs them most. The selection of Fellows of this Academy reminds Nigerians of its wealth in human resources, both active and relatively un-utilized. I hope this Academy triggers an active interest among other professional groups to organize and place assets at the disposal of the nation.
“I must recognize the unparalleled commitment of the Chairman of this historic event, General Yakubu Gowon, GCRF. Sir, you will always be the reference point for Nigerians when we speak of our great assets in leaders and elders. I look forward to submitting the Lecture of Professor Benedict Oramah, CON to very close scrutiny, and utilize many of his useful insights and recommendations.
Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon who was the chairman of the occasion in his remark described the emergence of the Academy as timely, especially now that President Bola Tinubu is heading the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He said: “The establishment of an Academy of this Caliber, bringing together some of our nation’s brightest minds in international relations is highly commendable.
“This is timely when our President, President Bola Tinubu, GCFR is the leader of ECOWAS and quite visibly promoting Nigeria’s global image, and all efforts to save ECOWAS.
“While there are several government agencies that are created to perform vital roles in formulating and implementing foreign policy, the wisdom and experience of private citizens with many years of Foreign Service are invaluable. I therefore urge you Academy for International Affairs (AIA) to offer your services and collaborate with this and successive administrations to ensure that Nigeria’s rightful place as a global voice and leadership is secured at all times.”
Gowon also requests the government, present and those to come in the future to consider and accept this proposal.”
Those inducted as fellows of the Academy are Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Amb. Godknows Igali, Prof. Joy Ogwu, Henry Odien Ajumogibia, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Amb. Joe Keshi, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Prof. Tijjani Mohammed Bande, Gen. Martins AGwai (rtd), Amb. John Shinkaiye, Amb. Segun Apapta, Amb. Jaiyeola Lewu, Prof. Akinjide Osuntokun, Amb. Hadiza Mustpha, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Prof. Hassan Saliu, Prof. Eghosa Osagie, Amb. Brownson Dede, Prof. Jide Owoeye, Gen. Obidan Ethan (rtd), Amb. Jibrin Chinade.
Two people also got ordinary fellows of the Academy, they are Dr. Akin Akinyemi, Prof. Adewumi Falode.
Four other Nigerians also got honorary fellows and they are: Philip Asiodu, Am. Abdullah Attah, Amb. Seriously Judith Attah and Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has underscored the significance of forgiveness and generosity during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Shettima said this at the breaking of the Ramadan fast in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The breaking of the Ramadan fast, organised by the office of President Bola Tinubu, was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs and Heads of government agencies.
Shettima said that posterity would remember Tinubu kindly as a decisive leader for his pivotal role in guiding Nigeria towards prosperity and stability.
According to him, the unifying power of Ramadan transcends any divides among Nigerians.
The Vice President extolled the leadership qualities and sacrifices of Tinubu, noting that leadership required sacrifice, tenacity of purpose and commitment.
Shettima called on all Ministers, Service Chiefs and heads of government agencies to lend their support to the President’s endeavours.
“We have crossed the Rubicon and the nation is on the path to sustained growth. Some nations have gone through worse cases in the annals of their history than us.
“The President means well for the nation. He has a good heart for the nation and we have the moral imperative to support him in whatever way we can to salvage the ship of the State.
“The President doesn’t subscribe to the idea of apportioning blame; the buck stops on his desk and he has not shied away from taking those decisive actions.
“Be rest assured, in the fullness of time, posterity will be very kind to him,” Shettima said.
For his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, thanked the President for the kind Ramadan gesture.
“I pray that we all see the end of Ramadan. We thank the President for his generosity,” Fagbemi said.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will harness the expertise in security, international diplomacy, among others in the country to drive much-needed development.
He said this when he received the board and management of Bruit Costaud, a government affairs outfit, strategic policy communications and advisory firm, at the Presidential Villa, during the week, in Abuja.
Shettima, who applauded the foresight of the managing partner of the firm and former Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, noted that the assemblage of renowned experts across diverse fields at the firm was commendable.
He said: “The calibre of people covering a wide spectrum of areas, including security, energy, international diplomacy, communications and others, is a testimony of the seriousness of the group.
“I am also glad to know that our intellectuals and policy experts are still relevant in the scheme of things, contributing to the progress of our country. That is how it should be. The world is knowledge-driven; everything that we are doing today is guided by knowledge. That is why we have to engage groups like yours.”
IMohammed introduced members of the team which was on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa.
He thanked the Vice President for the opportunity to share insights on the firm’s activities and its proposal for the present administration.
He applauded the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in addressing contemporary challenges, pledging the firm’s commitment to supporting the administration in succeeding in its task of transforming Nigeria.
According to him: “We reaffirm our commitment to the advancement of our beloved country, Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu (GCFR) and the well-being of its people. Together, we can overcome any challenge and realize the immense potential that Nigeria holds.
“Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its history, facing both challenges and opportunities that require astute policy guidance and strategic advocacy. We are confident that through the bold initiatives of Mr. President, we will surmount these challenges.”
Mohammed assured that the firm will deploy resources within its areas of expertise to support the government in addressing challenges in the economy and related areas.
He said: “Your Excellency, our firm is dedicated to leveraging our expertise, experience, and extensive network to support government policies that promote economic prosperity, social equity, and sustainable development. As insiders with the knowledge and hands-on experience, we believe we can bring our experiences to bear to support the administration.
“We commend your leadership and vision in supporting the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to steer Nigeria towards the path of progress and prosperity. Your commitment to fostering innovation, empowering communities, and championing inclusive growth has not gone unnoticed.”
Also present at the meeting were senior advisers at the firm; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Aisha Abubakar; a retired Diplomat, Amb. Tunde Ajisomo, and Engr Abdur Rasheed Omidiya, among others.
Sir: Recently, Nigeria’s number two citizen, Senator Kashim Shettima, stormed Ogun State for a one day working visit. While in the State, he visited and commissioned the Modern Adire Shared Facility at Adire International Market Asero and the National MSME Clinics, Ultra-Modern Fashion Hub, Ajebo Road all in Abeokuta,
He also took time to interact with small scale entrepreneurs who are in the business of producing the local tie and dye fabrics known as “Adire”. A highly impressed Shettima who acknowledged the high quality and beautiful products displayed in the market, must have known that nothing hold a business back like money. During the 2nd edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Clinic, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre Kuto in Abeokuta, he brought the message of hope from President Bola Tinubu when he said that the federal government would give N150,000 cash reward to every exhibitor at the clinic. As if that was not enough, he again announced that a grant of N100,000 will also be given to over 200 owners of new stores at the Modern Adire Shared Facility at the Adire International Market, Asero, Abeokuta.
Similarly, the host governor Prince Dapo Abiodun also announced conditional grants of N100,000 to 10,000 MSMSE, N500,000 to be given to 2,000 SMEs, and N50,000 to 5,000 market women in the state, totalling N2bn.
For the vice president, the coming to Ogun State signifies the need to support businesses and transform ideas into commercially viable ventures, just as the 2nd phase of the Expanded SMSME clinic is a strategic intervention to fortify the foundation of small businesses in the country.
The vice president was of the view that such clinics would serve as a lifeline for enterprises as it would offer immediate financial support to the exhibitors and provide small businesses the opportunity to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission and get their certificates within a day.
There is no denying the fact that Small and Medium Enterprises plays very pivotal role in the economy of any nation. It helps in stimulating and strengthening the economy by developing local technology, mobilise and make use of traditional savings, and structurally balance the large and small industry in the rural and urban centres of a nation. It also provides employment to a large segment of the nation’s population.
The role of the Small and Medium Scale entrepreneurs is so vital that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) says that “the Small and Medium Enterprises contribute 48 percent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and employ over 84 percent of Nigerians”.
The SMEs not only make goods and services available even in difficult to reach areas, but also stimulate consumer’s spending and drive demands which ultimately leads to increases in the economic output and overall Gross Domestic Product of the country.
Despite their significant roles in a nation’s economy, SMEs are daily facing many challenges some of which include lack of access to cheap and long term sources of finance, high cost of infrastructure such as power, transport, distribution and logistics. These perennial challenges have resulted in the collapse or limited growth of many SMEs thereby preventing their much-needed contribution to the economy.
Having recognized the significant and far reaching roles of the SMEs, both federal and state governments have started looking in the way of the SMEs by implementing several policies to support them to grow. One of the ways of doing this is through the provision of grants, infrastructure and other needed support.
The visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the Gateway State is one that would linger for quite a while, particularly for those who benefited from the largesse of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that of Governor Abiodun.
It is now left for the beneficiaries of the grants to make the best use of the opportunity to them to expand their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.
…Leads other dignitaries to launch Omatseye’s book on Tinubu
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Tuesday, March 12, described the 2023 presidential election as the most divisive in the history of Nigeria, saying that politicians deliberately manipulated the nation’s fault lines for political gains.
Vice President Shettima was speaking as a special guest of honour at the launch of a book written by veteran journalist and columnist, Sam Omatseye, on President Bola Tinubu’s journey to the Presidency, titled: “Beating All Odds: Diaries and Essays on How Bola Tinubu Became President.”
The vice president also assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as the Nigerian candidate in the election, has the interest of the nation at heart, saying the Nigerian President is a man of courage, who would not be afraid to take the necessary steps to pull the nation out of the current challenges.
Speaking on the processes that saw the 2023 elections through to its end and the eventual victory of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, the vice president noted that despite all the political scheming by politicians and exploitation of the nation’s fault lines, Nigerians ignored the ethno-religious manipulations to choose the best candidates.
“The last election certainly was the most divisive in the history of this country. All the ethno-religious fault lines that divide this nation were deliberately manipulated for political ends. But it is interesting to note that the most Christian of northern states is Benue state. The Nigerian candidate defeated a religious candidate in Benue state.
“The most northern of northern states is Sokoto. A Nigerian candidate lost to the regional candidate by a mere 5000 votes and the APC went on to win two Senate seats, the…..and the majority of House of Representatives seat. And the most Christian in the South-South state is Rivers, the Nigerian candidate defeated a religious candidate in Rivers. So there is cause for celebration. One thing I believe is that what binds us together supersedes whatever divides us.
“Some of the journalists in this room, I don’t want to mention their names to avoid embarrassing their person, they are of the Christian faith but they were the most vociferous proponents of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s candidature. They are men and women of integrity who stood for what is right”, he said.
Speaking to the current challenges, particularly economic, facing the country, Shettima assured Nigerians that President Tinubu, being a courageous leader, which he had demonstrated from his first day in office, will do the needful to reset the order of things, without placing blames.
“Be rest assured that the President has Nigeria in his mind. Yes, we are having challenges we are not denying that. And we ate not here to apportion blame. Leadership is about accepting responsibility and finding solutions to national challenges.
“The president is a man of courage and conviction. In his the one week in office, he took far-reaching decisions. The oil subsidy has been an albatross round the neck of the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian nation. He took the bull by the horn and withdrew the fuel subsidy from day one. He was able to collapse the multiple exchange rate regime that gave room for a lot of hanky-panky. Be rest assured that in the fullness of time, history would be kind to him”, he said.
Taking a review of the book, the Vice President said works like the one done by Omatseye would go a long way in the fight to espouse the truth against propaganda and lies, taking a cursory look at the different parts that make it up.
“In the second part of the book, Mr. Omatseye took us to the beginning of the misadventures that preceded the formation of the All Progressives Congress. The year 2013 provides an interesting window to examine the chain of events that gave birth to the APC, leading to the emergence of former President Buhari and then President Tinubu.
“This context serves as a remedy for the oversimplification of those who have succumbed to nostalgia, those who have refused to accept that we aren’t where we are by accident.
“Our recourse to facts in this climate of propaganda and lies would disinfect the minds of the impressionable, and this book does justice to the subject of President Tinubu’s ascent up the ladder of glories as the recipient of the nation’s highest honour—the office of the President. I believe this book is an interaction with time, a record of the science and miracle of our journey to this height”, he said.
In his speech at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, explained the crux of the events that the book depicts; the process of ascent of Asiwaju Tinubu to the Nigerian Presidency, using a Yoruba analogy of the elephant and limiting creepers.
According to him, the book worked well to narrate, in different parts, all the struggles and attempts by some others to prevent President Tinubu from being, but like the elephant, he prevailed while his traducers, whom he represented with the creepers rather got pulled along in the process.
“I am wrapping my speech around the elephant because Yoruba people say…..This is the case of the aspirant Bola Tinubu meaning that the creepers that want to disturb the elephant in walking to the stream would of course end up in the stream with the elephant. This is the story of the aspirant Bola Tinubu contesting and going into primaries. Of course, he won with the creepers all through the stream.
“The other side of the elephant is that in Yoruba it is said…..it means in climbing the hill to Aso Rock, he was kicking plants and everything on his way. Again he turned them into cobwebs until he now got to the villa. That is the story of the book that we are launching today.
“The book largely chronicles the interventions of Sam Omatseye on the 2023 presidential race, the thrills and the trials, tribulations and the triumph. As a book on an important process in the life of our country, this is a welcoming read.
“As a book on candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu who eventually emerged as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of its Armed Forces, it provides an excellent insight into the vision, character, methods, and strategies of an unusual politician”, Chief Osoba said.
Chief Presenter of the book, Sir Kensington Adebutu, represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso, said “The book would invariably turn out to be a veritable resource material for anyone who desires to achieve what others feel is unattainable”. He launched the book with N25 million, at N250,000 per copy.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Nwodo Onyekachi, said the book meticulously chronicled President Tinubu’s journey to the Presidency, offering the reader an invaluable insight into the character of the man who now leads the nation.
“This narrative serves not only as a historical account but as a source of inspiration for every Nigerian, affirming that no obstacle is insurmountable but with dedication and hard work we would overcome.
“Today as we celebrate this launch of the book let us also celebrate the spirit of our people and the resilience as a nation. Let this book be a reminder of where we have been, the battles we have fought and the victories we have achieved”, he said.
The Senate President launched the book with N10 million.
Former Lagos Commissioner for Environment, Tunji Bello, in his message, noted that with the work done by Omatseye, history has already begun unravelling, calling on Nigerians to start listening.
“More will still come but one thing I’ll just say is to commend him for the grand literary work which I think is good to set the ball rolling. All in all I want to thank everybody for honouring him and we his colleagues are also here to honour him”, Bello said.
Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori, also lauded the writer for his work, saying though he was yet to read the new book, he would ensure to read it, just as he had been reading his weekly column. He also pledged six months of his pension to the launch of the book.
The Delta State Commissioner for Works, Charles Aniagu, noted that Omatseye, who is originally from Delta State, represents all the good qualities of what it means to be Deltan, including doggedness and saying-it-as-it-is.
He recalled that he also played a role during the run-up to the elections, when he was spokesman to the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), not acknowledging that what is not controversial now is that Bola Tinubu is now President of Nigeria.
He noted that Tinubu can write its name in history by making a difference, which can only be achieved by carrying all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political persuasion. He congratulated Omatseye for being able to contribute to history through his works.
Former Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, in her brief message, thanked Omatseye for his efforts, pointing out that though he writes controversial pieces, he however ensures to write his mind.
The reviewer of the book, Louis Odion, titled his review “Sam’s Prophetic Muse: Tracking Jagaban’s Rise to Power”. He described the book as a meticulous chronicle of events that preceded and followed up the most divisive election in the history of Nigeria.
He also attempted an analysis of the structure of the work, which he revealed was taken from two parts; from the writer’s diary and his column published in The Nation newspaper.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, saying, “Omatseye is without doubt Nigeria’s most engaging and consistent chronicler of our national experiences, capturing with every offering, the essence and impact of our individual vicissitudes and existential ethos.
Former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, said “we are excited that Sam Omatseye has put together this chronicle. Several other chronicles would follow after this and of course it would find a good place in the shelf of chronicles that would be churned out for our great leader and current President Bola Tinubu”.
Also speaking the Managing Director of Leadership Newspaper, Mr Azu Ishikwene, vouched for the content of the book put together by Omatseye, though he said he was yet to read it, saying “I know the author and the subject of his book, and I have known them for decades”.
Mr Alex Kaba, a veteran journalist, who flew in from New York to be part of the event, in his goodwill message, saluted the courage and loyalty of Omatseye for not wavering in his belief and support for President Tinubu, in the days ahead of the election, especially when other writers were still bidding time to determine where to pitch their tents.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, said “of a culture, we the new Abians do things in a nice way and the governor has asked me to tell Mr Omatseye that he is going to do something reasonable and he would not do it from the government money but from his personal pocket.”
The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by Yakubu Lamai, lauded the writer of the book, just as he gave credit to the efforts of President Tinubu, acknowledging that it was not a bed of roses. He launched the book with N5 million
The author, Mr Omatseye, said the book aimed at dispelling the erroneous perceptions of the 2023 general elections.
He said the book, which is divided into two parts, was a collection of his diaries which he stated at the beginning of the campaigns for the last election.
Omatseye said it also consisted of some of his essays that tracked the plot to stop Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from becoming President.
“This book is in two parts. I started writing diaries when the campaign started. I didn’t know what I was going to do with the diaries, but I was taking them week after week, following everything. Whether it was the tempest over the Muslim Muslim ticket and the battle between the then Rivers governor and Atiku, them we went to the time when there was a storm.
“Even there was a time when they said the Vice President does not know how to dress well that be wore sneakers over suit, it was all there. When people came out and started showing all over social media, icons of of culture who were dressed like to counter them, it was all there. And then there was the fight the naira, fuel, whether the election was going to hold and of course Emilokan. It is all there.
“I also tracked the second part, some of my essays that tracked the plot to stop Asiwaju Bola Tinubu from the time Adams Oshiomhole was unseated as party chairman and all the plots until it got to the primaries, including when somebody called somebody that it would be better off selling ice cream.
“It was an interesting thing to do and after going through the story, I thought I should gather all those together and tell the story because many people started fighting that the elections delegitimised and so on and so forth.
“It was a way of trying to put in context all the things that happened. People forget that even very early in the campaigns, Babatunde Raji Fashola appeared on TV and laid bare long before, the mathematics of the election. He said how can one be divided into four and fight one. He said it didn’t make sense. I didn’t really listen at that time, maybe they should have come together and coalesced, but you know what they say about destiny is that you cannot stop it”, he said.
Among dignitaries at the event are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Niyi Adebayo; former Minister of State for Health, Adeleke Mamora; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola; former Delta Governor, Chief James Ibori; and the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Others were the Senate Preseident, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Nwodo Onyekachi; the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, who was represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu; Managing Director of the NDDC, Samuel Ogbuku; Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello; Mr Kayode Komolafe; Prince Kasim Afegbua; Bolaji Adebiyi and many others.
Also mentioned as launchers of the book are Minister of the FCT, Wike (he launched with N10 million); and Alhaji Rufai Jose, (he launched with N10 million).
At the launch, an aggregate of N60 million of cash was announced, just as former Delta State Governor, Ibori promised six months of his pension, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, on behalf of five other members of the last administration, said they would be reaching out to the author and many other pledges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Friday, March 8, emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s willingness and commitment to stimulating growth in the economy, especially by working with the private sector.
This was as the bid by the Tinubu administration to ensure food security, through a transformation of agricultural productivity in the country, received a major boost with a consortium of mid-sized agriculture companies pledging to support millions of farmers across different value chains in the country.
Speaking during the group’s courtesy visit to the State House in Abuja, Vice President Shettima commended the efforts of the young entrepreneurs, particularly in “seeking practical solutions to challenges confronting the nation.”
Shettima who welcomed their partnership said: “Mid-sized companies like yours should be the drivers of change in our nation. We can work as a team towards addressing our core challenges.”
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: “My boss is very much devoted to stimulating growth in the Nigerian economy, regardless of the challenges.
“Leadership is actually about challenges and we are mindful of them. We want collaboration from the private sector to turn agriculture into a business and dramatically change our economic landscape. We (as a nation) are one of the resource-endowed countries in the world and have no business being poor.”
He called on the private sector, including financial institutions, to support the Federal Government’s drive to transform agricultural production and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The Vice President stressed the need to engage small-holder farmers with the view to increasing their productivity as part of measures towards achieving the country’s food security objectives.
Earlier in his remark, the leader of the delegation and CEO of AFEX – a leading commodities exchange in Nigeria, Akinyinka Akintunde, said the group was at the presidential villa to pledge its support to the government’s programmes and policies in the agricultural sector.
He said the group is proposing an initiative that will support two million farmers across four value chains (Rice, Maize, Sorghum and Soyabeans) to enhance sustainable agriculture and ensure the success of the food security drive of the Federal Government.
Akintunde said the consortium comprising mid-sized agricultural companies in Nigeria will achieve the set objectives by engaging and collaborating with key stakeholders, including Private Finance Initiative (PFI), Fertilizer Producers & Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and farmer aggregation companies.
He outlined the proposed initiative to also include linking farmers to markets and enriching the government’s grain reserves across the country with assorted commodities, all in a bid to boost the food security targets of the administration.
Also present at the meeting were the VP of Operations at Thrive Agric, Oshone Anavhe; Managing Director of SWAgCo (South West Agriculture Company) Limited, Jide Arowosafe; representative of Sterling Bank, Joshua Zira, and Head, of Market Growth at AFEX, Zara Dogo, among others.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has handed over 200 newly refurbished stores for use to 400 entrepreneurs at the popular Asero Adire market in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Stanley Nkwocha, said beneficiaries will use the stores free of charge for a period of one year after which they will be charged discounted rates for the use of the facilities.
The gesture is part of efforts by President Tinubu administration to support small businesses by providing an enabling environment for them to thrive.
Shettima announced the gesture on Tuesday at the second edition of the Expanded National MSME Clinics in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
According to the Vice President, the Clinics and related activities hold the promise of easing the way for small businesses to transform their empires or unicorns of note.
His words: “The National MSME Clinics serve as a bridge between us—between the people and the government. They are designed to bring the government in close proximity to the people by convening all regulatory agencies under one roof.
“This journey further reinforces my conviction that our paramount responsibility as a government is to persist in crafting an enabling environment that allows these small businesses not only to thrive but also to expand their horizons”.
Assuring that the Federal Government, in collaboration with partners, will not rest on their oars until small businesses reach the heights of their potential, the Vice President noted that the overall objective is to “foster an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, where the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigeria shines brightly on the global stage, and where our collaborations yield immense dividends.”
He expressed confidence that with little support, MSMEs across the country can deploy their talents, creativity and boundless energy to building more viable enterprises.
The Vice President paid glowing tributes to the Ogun State Government for cooperation in the project, describing the State “as a guiding force in the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting enterprises and empowering their owners.”
He noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for the nation which he said “relies on exploring the industrial capabilities developed in this Gateway to the Nation”.
Apart from the Clinics, the VP also commissioned two projects executed by the Federal Government in collaboration with partners – the ultra-modern fashion hub for MSMEs and the refurbished Asero Adire market, all in Abeokuta.
