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Tag: Shettima

  • Solving global challenges require international cooperation – Shettima

    Solving global challenges require international cooperation – Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has proposed global cooperation as the compass towards maximising available opportunities, as well as surmounting all challenges confronting mankind.

    According to a statement on Saturday morning by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, Shettima made the proposal in his address to World leaders at the ongoing G77+China Leaders’ Summit at the Palace Convention Havana, Cuba.

    “We must always remember that cooperation is our compass and the most realistic path towards maximizing the opportunities and resolving challenges before us,” Shettima said.

    Speaking to an Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutteres and delegates from over 100 countries from the global South, the Vice President emphasized the need to be focussed leveraging cooperation or partnership for finding realistic solutions to global challenges.

    “We must not allow geopolitical tensions in any corner of the world to deter us from forging a collective and mutually advantageous path forward – a roadmap of shared prosperity and progress,” he advised.

     The Vice President expressed Nigeria’s commitment to tow the path of partnership with member-States of the G77+China towards addressing global challenges.

    Read Also: Shettima, Bagudu lead stakeholders to design new economic reforms in Osun

    According to him “allow me to reiterate Nigeria’s commitment to partnering with our fellow member nations of the G77 and China.”

    Speaking to the theme : “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation” the Vice President underscored the prominent role which science, technology and innovation have always played in resolving challenges from the past to the present.”

    Delivering his speech titled: “From Pandemic to Paradigm Shift: Nigeria’s Road to Reinvention” Shettima said: “throughout history, science and technology have shaped the course of nations. The phases of the Industrial Revolution, from the first to the fourth, and from mechanization to automation, have determined the prosperity of those nations.”

    Continuing, he observed that “ it is crucial to acknowledge that the developing world found itself at a disadvantage in the earliest phases of these transformations, struggling to compete fairly as these revolutions swept across the globe.”

    The Vice President told his audience that Nigeria is contributing its share in leveraging science, technology and innovation to resolving challenges such as Covid-19 and the climate crisis.

  • Shettima, Bagudu lead stakeholders to design new economic reforms in Osun

    Shettima, Bagudu lead stakeholders to design new economic reforms in Osun

    Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu would lead stakeholders across the country to design new economic reforms.

    The federal government also assured Nigerians that the current economic hardship is temporal, saying other reforms by the administration of President Bola Tinubu would start yielding results.

    This was disclosed at the 3-day 22nd Edition National Council on Development Planning (NCDP) and Joint Planning Board (JPB) meetings held at the Centre for Black Culture, Osogbo, Osun state

    The Director of Special Duties of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (FMBEP), Gloria Ahmed, explained that resolutions from the past edition have served as critical inputs to the National Economic Council (NEC).

    She disclosed that the theme of the 2023 edition is ‘Imperative for Restoring Nigeria on the Path of Sustainable Economic Growth and Development’, and that Shettima would be in the Osun state on Thursday, September 13, to deliberate with other stakeholders on: “Energy sufficiency and sustainable economic development, food security, human capital development for economic growth among others.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s administration will prioritise domestic health financing, says Shettima

    Earlier, Permanent Secretary of FMBEP, Nebeolisa Anako noted that Nigerians would appreciate the rationale behind the removal of fuel subsidy among other reforms.

    He said: “The present administration is doing everything possible to address the hardship faced by Nigerians in the wake of economic reforms which has resulted in the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira.

    “These challenges which are temporary, will be over with time. I therefore want to use this opportunity to urge you to use your esteemed positions to aggressively sensitize the Nigerian public on the long-term benefits of these policies.”

  • Fed Govt determined to raise health sector’s domestic financing, says Shettima

    Fed Govt determined to raise health sector’s domestic financing, says Shettima

    • VP meets global health partners at Presidential Villa

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the current Federal Government will pay closer attention to increasing domestic health financing, industrialisation and improved health outcomes in its agenda.

    Shettima gave the assurance when he hosted a delegation from global health partners – the Global Fund, U.S President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the U.S President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) – at the Presidential Villa yesterday in Abuja.

    The Vice President, who restated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to repositioning Nigeria’s healthcare system, pledged the President’s political support to “improve health outcomes for all Nigerians, increased domestic financing for health, and promoting health industrialisation”.

    In a statement by the Director of Information in his office, Mr. Olusola Abiola, the Vice President said: “These are three major commitments I am making on behalf of my boss. Rest assured that our word is our bond.

    “I want to assure you that we are determined to catapult the nation to a higher pedestal. We are committed to changing the narrative of inclusive growth, of a Nigeria where every black man will be proud of.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s administration will prioritise domestic health financing, says Shettima

    He added: “President Tinubu is a man of vision and he has the courage to follow through whatever he believes in. From the appointment of the Minister of Health, there is a clear testimony to the drive, the political commitment of the President and the current leadership towards repositioning the Nigerian nation.

    “The Minister of Health is a man of impeccable credentials. He is a celebrated public health practitioner with the experience, exposure and commitment to drive the change we seek in the health sector.”

    Shettima urged the global health partners and other stakeholders in the health sector to support the new leadership in the Federal Ministry of Health to actualise the President’s vision for all Nigerians.

    The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the visit of the global health partners was aimed at examining the progress so far made and reassure the Tinubu administration of their commitment to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, among others.

    The U.S Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador John Nkengasong, said the visit, which coincided with the commemoration of U.S Government’s 20 years of support to Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS through the PEPFAR initiative, provided an opportunity for the partners to appreciate the vision and direction of the Tinubu administration for the health sector.

    Mr. Peter Sands of the Global Fund and David Walton of the President’s Malaria Initiative urged all stakeholders to sustain the fight against malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis to achieve the 2030 target of eradicating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

    Other dignitaries at the meeting included the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Gambo Aliyu; US Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens and the WHO Country Representatives, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo.

  • Tinubu’s administration will prioritise domestic health financing, says Shettima

    Tinubu’s administration will prioritise domestic health financing, says Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, September 12, said that the Bola Tinubu administration would pay attention to increasing domestic health financing, industrialization and improved health outcomes in its agenda.

    He gave the assurance when a delegation from the Global Health Partners – the Global Fund, the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and the US President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.

    The vice president, who restated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to repositioning Nigeria’s healthcare system, pledged the president’s political support to “improve health outcomes for all Nigerians; increased domestic financing for health; and promoting health industrialization.”

    According to a statement issued by the director of information in his office, Olusola Abiola, Shettima said: “These are three major commitments I am making on behalf of my boss and be rest assured that our word is our bond.

    Read Also: Economic recovery: Tinubu is ‘walking the talk’, says Deputy Speaker Kalu

    “I want to assure you that we are determined to catapult the nation to a higher pedestal. We are committed to changing the narrative of inclusive growth, of a Nigeria that every black man will be proud of. President Tinubu is a man of vision and he has the courage to follow through whatever he believes in, from the appointment of the Minister of Health, there is a clear testimony to the drive, the political commitment of the President and the current leadership towards repositioning the Nigerian nation.

    “The Minister of Health is a man of impeccable credentials. He is a celebrated public health practitioner with the experience, exposure and commitment to drive the change we seek in the health sector”, he said.

    The vice president urged the Global Health Partners and other stakeholders in the health sector to support the new leadership in the Health Ministry to actualize the President’s vision for all Nigerians.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate said the visit of the global health partners was to take stock of the progress made so far and reassure the Tinubu administration of their commitment to the efforts to combat HIV AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, among others.

    On his part, the US Global AIDS Coordinator, John Nkengasong said the visit which coincided with the commemoration of the US Government’s 20 years of support to Nigeria’s fight against HIV AIDS through the PEPFAR initiative, has provided an opportunity for the partners to appreciate the vision and direction of the Tinubu administration for the health sector.

    He commended the administration, noting that the Health Minister’s clarity of vision and commitment to building an inclusive health system for the country, would help the partners align their goals and targets in the various interventions.

    In separate remarks, Peter Sands of the Global Fund and David Walton of the President’s Malaria Initiative commended the Federal Government for its efforts towards combating Malaria, HIV AIDS and Tuberculosis and urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum, especially in the bid to achieve the 2030 target of eradicating HIV AIDS in Nigeria.

    All the partners at the meeting pledged their support and commitment to work with the Tinubu administration to deliver on its mandate and vision for the health sector.

    Other dignitaries at the meeting were the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu; US Consul General in Lagos, Will Stevens and the WHO Country Rep, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, among others.

  • Shettima inaugurates distribution of N16.8bn vehicles, palliatives in Sokoto

    Shettima inaugurates distribution of N16.8bn vehicles, palliatives in Sokoto

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday, September 11, inaugurated vehicles worth N16.8bn purchased by the Sokoto state government.

    Shettima also flagged off the distribution of N5bn worth of assorted grains as palliatives to the poor and vulnerable persons in the state.

    The items included rice, maize, and millet among others.

    Speaking at the Giginya Memorial Stadium venue of the event, the vice president expressed delight and appreciated Governor Ahmed Sokoto for his passionate concern for the poor and vulnerable in the state.

    He disclosed that the federal government would also come up with another palliative aimed at further cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal as well as the general economic hardships.

    Earlier, Governor Sokoto said the vehicles cost the state government N11.8 billion, explaining that the 50 buses and 20 Toyota Camry would be used for city service, Intrastate and inter-state transport services to ease the movement of goods and services within and outside the state.

    The governor also said that the 20 Buffalo patrol vehicles and 50 Toyota Hilux vehicles distributed to security Agencies in the state cost the state N6.6 billion.

    Sokoto also disclosed that the BUA group donated 10 luxurious pickup vehicles to the state government.

     Accordingly, the governor said the grains would be distributed across the 23 LGAs in the state.

    Read Also: Nigeria needs N21tn to bridge housing gap, says Shettima

    He said: “Today, we are flagging off the distribution of the consignments of rice and other grains purchased by the state government at a cost of N5 billion.

    He said beneficiaries will be identified on a non-partisan basis by a committee of eminent persons in the state.

    “We are a resilient people. I have no doubt that we will emerge from this tough situation much better and stronger as a state and a nation.

    “I urge our people to trust the committee to do justice to the assignment, bearing in mind that the whole essence of this modest effort is to show concern for the plight of the people, especially the most vulnerable among us.”

  • FG secures $163mn AfDB loan to boost wheat production, says Shettima

    FG secures $163mn AfDB loan to boost wheat production, says Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday, September 10, announced that Nigeria has secured a $163 million support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost the production of wheat in the country.

    The vice president disclosed this while speaking at the palace of the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sumaila Mohammed, in Argungu, Kebbi state.

    According to a statement issued by the director of information in his office, Olusola Abiola, the vice president was in the state representing President Bola Tinubu, on a condolence visit to the family of the late Sheikh Abubakar Giro.

    Shettima also assured that President Tinubu’s administration would fulfill all the promises made to Nigerians during the campaign season, particularly in the agricultural sector, adding that food security would receive serious attention from the government.

    He said: “We have obtained a $163 million dollar loan from the African Development Bank to support wheat production. The scheme would be launched soon.

    Read Also: I’m delighted to meet President Tinubu, says Indian PM Modi

    “We need 10,000 hectares of land in Kebbi State. But the scheme would be well executed in Jigawa State with a cultivation of 50,000 hectares of land to boost wheat production.”

    While at the home of the late Sheikh Giro to pay condolence to his family, the Vice President said “this is a great loss to the state, nation and West Africa.

    He said: “I am here on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who called me from India and directed that I should come to Argungu to commiserate with the family of the respected Sheikh, government and people of Kebbi State and the north in general.

    “Late Sheikh Abubakar Giro was a respected scholar. He worked for God, he didn’t bother about things of the world he lived a humble life. May God forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternity.”

    In his remarks, the Emir of Argungu, HRH, Sumaila Mohammed Mera, stated that the Emirate was proud of the achievements of late Sheikh Giro.

    He prayed for the unity and progress of Nigeria, as he also thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support.

    On his part, the National Leader of the Izala Sect, Sheikh Bala Lau, who received the Vice President on behalf of the family in company of other national executives, thanked President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their show of love.

    Earlier on arrival, the vice president was received at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Airport in Birnin Kebbi by the State Governor, Nasir Idris who accompanied him on the visit.

    Also on the vice president’s entourage were the Deputy Governor of Kebbi State, Sen. Umar Tafida; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari and members of the Kebbi State Executive Council among others.

    Sheikh Abubakar Giro, a renowned cleric who died recently has since been buried according to Islamic rites in his hometown in Argungu, Kebbi state.

  • All parts of Nigeria will benefit from Tinubu’s administration – Shettima

    All parts of Nigeria will benefit from Tinubu’s administration – Shettima

    The Vice President,  Kashim Shettima, says all parts of Nigeria will benefit from the development stride of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Shettima gave the assurance in Maiduguri on Friday during a courtesy call on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai.

    Shettima said the young administration was aware of the hardship Nigerians were facing and was taking steps to ameliorate it.

    He said that some of the painful decisions taken by the government were products of the circumstances the nation found itself.

    “Be rest assured that in the coming weeks and months, the government will unveil a lot of programmes that will tourch the lives of our people.

    “We are here with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to explore the wheat production scheme in Borno.

    Tommorow we will have a very fruitful deliberation with the governor and his team on how to reignite the wheat production scheme in Borno and the nation as a whole.

    From here, I am going to Kebbi state; the President has approved N50 billion under the canopy of NEMA to restart the Puulaku Initiative in North West as a non kinetic approach to the problem confronting the people,” Shettima said.

    The vice president also announced approval of the president for the construction of 1000 houses in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger and Benue states.

    He said the housing estates would comprise auxiliary facilities like clinics, schools among others, adding that in Benue and Kaduna states, the victims would be all inclusive.

    He urged Nigerians for patience and support to the administration as it prepared to deliver.

    Read Also: Shettima extends olive branch to Atiku, Obi

    Shettima also represented Tinubu in commissioning some school and health projects completed by Gov. Babagana Zulum to mark his 100 days in office where he lauded the governor for his exemplary leadership in the provision of dividends of democracy to the people.

    “On behalf of the president, I will like to commend the governor for his outstanding leadership and his commitment to the welfare of our people.

    Earlier, while welcoming the vice president, the Shehu of Borno listed the security challenges in his emirate and the need for more support for economic activities to fully resume.

    The Shehu congratulated President Tinubu and Kashim for thier victory at the election tribunal and urged them to extend hands of fellowship to thier political opponents for collective effort to move the nation foward.

    (NAN)

  • Shettima, Ganduje, Uzodimma hail judgment

    Shettima, Ganduje, Uzodimma hail judgment

    V ice President Kashim Shettima, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma, yesterday hailed the judgement of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC).

    House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and former Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji also described the victory as deserving.

    Senator Shettima, who spoke with reporters after the judgement, said the judgement has shown that the voice of the people cannot be silenced.

    He said democracy is the winner, urging the petitioners to join President Bola Tinubu in the task of national unity.

    Shettima said democracy is not a destination, but a journey.

    He added: “This is a time for unity. Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who is my friend, should enlist in the task of nation building.”

    Ganduje described the judgement as a victory for Nigeria and democracy, stressing that popular rule has come to stay.

    Read Also: JUST IN: NLC ends warning strike, directs members to resume work

    Noting that judges were unanimous in the judgment, the party chair said: “Nigeria has come of age as far as democracy is concerned.”

    Uzodimma said: “It is victory for democracy. It is victory for our political system and an opportunity for the world to see the men and women in our judiciary and the quality of judgement.

    “They displayed impeccable knowledge and judgment. I congratulate President Bola Tinubu. He is a thinker. He will take Nigeria to the right destination.”

    Abbas said the verdict has added more legitimacy and credibility to the government and the Tinubu administration.

    He said: “While the petitioners have duly exercised their rights by approaching the tribunal to table their grievances, the court has also duly weighed the arguments and evidence presented before it before arriving at the judgment.

    “The judiciary has lived up to its name as the true arbiter in any case, based on the way it adjudicated on the presidential election petitions before it. The tribunal’s judgment has strengthened democratic processes in the country.

    Ikuforiji said the unanimous verdict by the tribunal reconfirmed the overwhelming support of the president during the election.

    He urged Atiku and Obi to support Tinubu towards the delivery of electioneering campaign promises to the people.

    “It is in the interest of the nation that we should all support President Tinubu in his efforts to put the country on a sound footing for development and growth.” 

  • BREAKING: PEPC strikes out APM’s petition against Tinubu, Shettima, others

    BREAKING: PEPC strikes out APM’s petition against Tinubu, Shettima, others

    The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has struck out the petition by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

    The PEPC in a ruling, upheld the preliminary objections raised against the competence of the petition by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC),  President Bola Tinubu, Kashim Shettima and Kabir Masari.

    Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the lead ruling, held that the issue of nomination, which is a pre-election matter is outside the scope of the court’s jurisdiction, sitting as an election tribunal.

    He held that the issue ought to have been raised before the Federal High Court, adding that even if it was to be heard by the PEPC, the issue is statute barred.

    Read Also: LIVE UPDATES: Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC)

    Justice Tsammani also held that the petitioner lacked the locus standi to have brought the petition, b cause the law did not allow a political party to query the process adopted by another political party in nominating its candidate.

    The PEPC Chairman held that invalid nomination or double nomination did not qualify as a ground for disqualification in respect of presidential election as provided in sections 131 and 137 of the Constitutional.

    He also held that the Masari, who was nominated as placeholder by the APC (for the position of the Vice President) was no tva necessary party to the petition because he was neither a candidate nor did he win election.

    Justice Tsammani also found that Masari was not a necessary party because no claim was raised against him by the petitioner.

    He is currently considering the petition on the merit.

    Details shortly…

  • Shettima assures RMAFC of support

    Shettima assures RMAFC of support

    Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) of federal government’s support in order to make it more proactive and responsive to its mandate.

    According to a statement issued by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, Vice President Shetima gave the assurance Tuesday when he received a delegation of the Commission led by the Chairman, Mohammed B. Shehu in his Office at the Presidential Villa.

    While underscoring the importance of the Commission to the polity, the Vice President stated that the work of the Commission transcends all tiers of government especially at it relates to its onerous task of assisting government to generate adequate revenue to deliver on the democratic dividends across the federation.

    He noted that the Federal Government under President Tinubu would address some of the challenges facing the Commission, noting that some of the solutions might require the input from the subnational to the federal and the legislative to the judiciary.

    Read AlsoBeneficiaries of subsidy ready to frustrate government,  says Shettima

    The Vice President stated further that since the Commission is a constitutional body, any amendment to its mandate must pass through the National Assembly especially any changes that would affect its operations, so that “you can perform your constitutional functions without difficulties.”

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Chairman informed the Vice President on the activities and achievements of the Commission especially in the area revenue generation and the efforts put in place towards addressing some of the challenges facing the Commission. He however disclosed the Commission needs the support of the Federal Government in its bid to find solutions to some of the challenges, in order for it to deliver on its mandate effectively.

    The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is an agency of government that oversees the revenues accruing to and disbursement of such funds from the Federal Account. The body also assures that there is conformity and equity in the nation’s revenue allocation formulae.

    In the delegation were some Commissioners which included Mr. Kabir Muhammad Masih, Hon. Maagbe Samuel Adaa, Fari Adebayo, Ntufam Eyo Nsa Whiley, Sen. Ayogu Eze and Ahmed Yusuf.