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  • Govt’s economic revival plan already yielding results, says Shettima

    Govt’s economic revival plan already yielding results, says Shettima

    Vice President, Kashim Shettima, yesterday said that the recent policies and programmes introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are already yielding tangible results.

    Shettima, stated this in Abuja while speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference with the theme, ” Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Empowerment: The Role of The Financial Services Industry.”

    The vice president revealed that both state and federal governments are now enjoying more substantial allocations.

    He said those who lost out as a result of the removal of subsidy were however determined to frustrate government policies and programmes.

    Read Also:Beneficiaries of subsidy ready to frustrate government,  says Shettima

    “I must announce with pride that our decisions are already yielding tangible results, with both state and federal governments now enjoying more substantial allocations.

    “These funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of our citizens. Without the serially unaccounted fuel subsidies, we can now redirect our savings towards more deserving causes,” Shettima said.

    He invited the banking community to join the government in rejuvenating the economy.

    “We must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time. We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted.

    “This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation. It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organizations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner.

    “We have promised to reposition consumer finance, and that can’t be done without you. We have promised to incentivise and finance value-addition to our agricultural and other products, and you are our ally in this.”

     We need you because Nigeria teeters on the edge of a precarious balance of payments as we import more than we export.

    “The future is already here, and this industry is a springboard for the success of our reforms and programmes. Whether in incorporating blockchain technology or expanding financial inclusion to deliver dividends of democracy to banking and unbanked citizens, Nigeria is here to occupy the high-table in a fast-changing world,” Shettima said.

    He said government envisions a future where no leader can resort to the tired excuse of ‘scarcity of funds’ to evade completion of projects or delayed salary payments, adding that Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.

    Regarding the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, the Vice President said “we have resolved to prioritise food security and ending poverty. We are prioritising economic growth and job creation. We are prioritising access to capital and improving security.

    “We are prioritising improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies like yours operate. We are also prioritising the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Each agenda cannot be fully implemented without your cooperation.”

    Earlier in his remarks, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr Ken Opara said the event which has grown to become the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa, provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

    He praised the reform initiatives of President Bola Tinubu, noting that “the reform initiatives such as subsidy removal, unifying the foreign exchange regime, investing in infrastructure, promoting agriculture, supporting SMEs and tax reforms, among others, if well implemented will unlock the economic potentials of the country.”

    The Chairman, Body of Bank CEOs and Managing Director of Zenith Bank Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu called for deliberate action from commercial banks and development banks in Nigeria to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic growth.

    Onyeagwu argued that commercial banks should not be solely responsible for financing and supporting SMEs, as this would not lead to progress and development. He suggested that “development banks should also share the risk and support SMEs, as a collective effort is needed to grow these businesses”.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in his address said the government has resolved to make the annual budget plan-based and noted that the banking sector is well placed to contribute to national growth.

    So what are we doing differently, yes I’ve heard all the nice things you people were doing at the end of the two days of the conference we are here, I heard a nice report and I will tell you why. I look at the numbers of the economy, the banking industry contributes about 3.6 percent there about, and I will like to compare us with the telecom industries so what’s so special about them. They said they have how many phone lines, we all know that phone lines are replicated we have a certain number of bank accounts so what is the problem?

    In his goodwill message, the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi lamented that the banking industry is not contributing enough to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

    According to him, “when we look at economic contribution, we are fighting below our weight so can we promise them that instead of 3.6 percent we will be contributing a lot more than that and we will sit down and find what the drivers are that we can influence and we can do.

  • Beneficiaries of subsidy ready to frustrate government,  says Shettima

    Beneficiaries of subsidy ready to frustrate government,  says Shettima

    Those who lost out as a result of the removal of subsidy are determined to frustrate government policies and programmes, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said.

    Speaking yesterday at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organised in Abuja by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Shettima restated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s commitment to its decisions, policies and programmes.

    According to him, the removal of subsidy is irrevocable.

    “We know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We know the fuel scam industry is a very hugely loaded industry, they will make every efforts to undermine us but as I said earlier the removal of fuel subsidy is irrevocable; truly we are in dire straits,” he told his audience.

    On the outcome of the recent government policies and programmes, especially the removal of subsidy, Sen. Shettima said: “I must announce with pride that our decisions are already yielding tangible results, with both state and federal governments now enjoying more substantial allocations.

    “These funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of our citizens. Without the serially unaccounted fuel subsidies, we can now redirect our savings towards more deserving causes.”

    Read Also: Our economic revival plan already yielding results – Shettima

    The vice president Urged the banking community to join hands with the government in rejuvenating the economy, the vice president said: “We must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time. We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted.

    “This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation. It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organizations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner. 

    “We have promised to reposition consumer finance, and that can’t be done without you. We have promised to incentivise and finance value-addition to our agricultural and other products, and you are our ally in this. We need you because Nigeria teeters on the edge of a precarious balance of payments as we import more than we export.

    “The future is already here and this industry is a springboard for the success of our reforms and programmes. Whether in incorporating block chain technology, or expanding financial inclusion to deliver dividends of democracy to banking and unbanked citizens, Nigeria is here to occupy the high-table in a fast-changing world.”

    On the administration’s “Eight-Point Agenda”, Shettima said: “We have resolved to prioritise food security and ending poverty. We are prioritising economic growth and job creation. We are prioritising access to capital and improving security.

    “We are prioritising improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies like yours operate. We are also prioritising the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Each agenda cannot be fully implemented without your cooperation.”

    CIBN President, Mr. Ken Opara, said the event which has grown to become the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa, provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

    He praised the reform initiatives of President Tinubu, noting that “the reform initiatives such as subsidy removal, unifying the foreign exchange regime, investing in infrastructure, promoting agriculture, supporting SMEs and tax reforms, among others, if well implemented will unlock the economic potentials of the country.”

    The Chairman, Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, called for deliberate action from commercial and development banks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic growth.

    Onyeagwu argued that commercial banks should not be solely responsible for financing and supporting SMEs, as this would not lead to progress and development. He suggested that “development banks should also share the risk and support SMEs, as a collective effort is needed to grow these businesses.”

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said the government has resolved to make the annual budget plan-based and noted that the banking sector is well placed to contribute to national growth.

    He said: “So, what are we doing differently, yes I’ve heard all the nice things you people were doing at the end of the two days of the conference we are here, I heard a nice report and I will tell you why.

    “I look at the numbers of the economy, the banking industry contributes about 3.6 per cent there about, and I will like to compare us with the telecom industries so what’s so special about them. They said they have how many phone lines, we all know that phone lines are replicated we have a certain number of bank accounts so what is the problem?

    Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Adebisi Shonubi lamented that the banking industry is not contributing enough to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “When we look at economic contribution, we are fighting below our weight so can we promise them that instead of 3.6 per cent we will be contributing a lot more than that and we will sit down and find what the drivers are that we can influence and we can do,” Shonubi said. 

  • Beneficiaries of subsidy ready to undermine govt, says VP Shettima

    Beneficiaries of subsidy ready to undermine govt, says VP Shettima

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that those who lost out as a result of the removal of subsidy were determined to frustrate the government’s policies and programmes.

    Shettima made this disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday, September 5, at the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

    He said the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains committed to its decisions, policies, and programmes and vowed that the removal of subsidy is irrevocable.

    Addressing the audience, Shettima stated: “We know the consequences of unveiling a masquerade. We know the fuel scam industry is a very hugely loaded industry, they will make every effort to undermine us but as I said earlier the removal of fuel subsidy is irrevocable; truly we are in dire straits.”

    On the outcomes of recent government policies and programmes especially the removal of subsidy, Shettima said: “I must announce with pride that our decisions are already yielding tangible results, with both state and federal governments now enjoying more substantial allocations.”

     “These funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of our citizens. Without the serially unaccounted fuel subsidies, we can now redirect our savings towards more deserving causes”.

    The vice president invited the banking community to join the government in rejuvenating the economy.

    According to him, “We must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time. We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted.

    Read Also: Protest against fuel subsidy removal in 2012 was mere politics, says Fayemi

    “This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation. It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organizations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner.”

    Speaking further Shettima said: “We have promised to reposition consumer finance, and that can’t be done without you. We have promised to incentivise and finance value-addition to our agricultural and other products, and you are our ally in this. We need you because Nigeria teeters on the edge of a precarious balance of payments as we import more than we export.

    “The future is already here, and this industry is a springboard for the success of our reforms and programmes. Whether in incorporating blockchain technology or expanding financial inclusion to deliver dividends of democracy to banking and unbanked citizens, Nigeria is here to occupy the high table in a fast-changing world”.

    The government he said envisions “a future where no leader can resort to the tired excuse of ‘scarcity of funds’ to evade completion of projects or delayed salary payments. Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of our people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.”

    Regarding the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, the vice president said: “We have resolved to prioritise food security and ending poverty. We are prioritising economic growth and job creation. We are prioritising access to capital and improving security.

    “We are prioritising improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies like yours operate. We are also prioritising the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Each agenda cannot be fully implemented without your cooperation.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the president of the Chattered Institute of Bankers, Ken Opara said the event which has grown to become the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa, provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive the conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

    He praised the reform initiatives of President Bola Tinubu, noting that “the reform initiatives such as subsidy removal, unifying the foreign exchange regime, investing in infrastructure, promoting agriculture, supporting SMEs and tax reforms, among others, if well implemented will unlock the economic potentials of the country.”

    The chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs and Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu called for deliberate action from commercial banks and development banks in Nigeria to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and promote economic growth.

    Onyeagwu argued that commercial banks should not be solely responsible for financing and supporting SMEs, as this would not lead to progress and development. He suggested that “development banks should also share the risk and support SMEs, as a collective effort is needed to grow these businesses”.

    The minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu in his address said the government has resolved to make the annual budget plan-based and noted that the banking sector is well placed to contribute to national growth.

    In his goodwill message, the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi lamented that the banking industry is not contributing enough to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

    He stated: “When we look at economic contribution, we are fighting below our weight so can we promise them that instead of 3.6 percent we will be contributing a lot more than that and we will sit down and find what the drivers are that we can influence and we can do.”

  • Our economic revival plan already yielding results – Shettima

    Our economic revival plan already yielding results – Shettima

    The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said on Tuesday in Abuja that the recent policies and programmes introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration are already yielding tangible results.

    Shettima, stated this while speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the opening of the 16th Annual Banking and Finance Conference with the theme, ” Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Empowerment: The Role of The Financial Services Industry.”

    The vice president revealed that both State and Federal governments are now enjoying more substantial allocations.

    ”These funds promise a direct and positive impact on the lives of our citizens. Without the serially unaccounted fuel subsidies, we can now redirect our savings towards more deserving causes.

    ”We envision a future where no leader can resort to the tired excuse of ‘scarcity of funds’ to evade completion of projects or delayed salary payments.

    ”Nigeria is crafting a story where the welfare of our people takes precedence, and financial accountability reigns supreme.”

    Shettima, therefore , emphasised that stronger partnership with experts in the Banking and Finance industry could spur turning the economy around in record time.

    The Vice President whose remarks was titled ‘Our Priorities in a Post-Pandemic World’, noted that “we must now do what pessimists may regard as impossible: turning the economy around in record time.

    ”We seek your partnership in getting this done. We cannot take your support for granted. This journey towards economic rejuvenation is not one to be undertaken in isolation.

    ”It is a call to forge robust partnerships with strategic nations and multilateral organisations, for in unity, Nigeria can reposition itself as a formidable, globally competitive partner.”

    On the role of the Banking and Finance in rejuvenating the economy, Shettima called on the stakeholders to support Tinubu’s administration in serving the nation.

    ”We have promised to reposition consumer finance, and that can’t be done without you. We have promised to incentivise and finance value-addition to our agricultural

    ”And other products, and you are our ally in this. We need you because Nigeria teeters on the edge of a precarious balance of payments as we import more than we export.

    ”The future is already here, and this industry is a springboard for the success of our reforms and programmes.

    ‘Whether in incorporating blockchain technology or expanding financial inclusion to deliver dividends of democracy to banking and unbanked citizens, Nigeria is here to occupy the high-table in a fast-changing world.”

    Speaking on the ‘Eight-Point Agenda’ of the Tinubu Administration, he said government had esolved to prioritise food security and ending poverty.

    ”We are prioritising economic growth and job creation. We are prioritising access to capital and improving security.

    “We are prioritising improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies like yours operate.

    ” We are also prioritising the rule of law and the fight against corruption. Each agenda cannot be fully implemented without your cooperation.”

    Earlier in his remarks, President of the Chattered Institute of Bankers, Mr Ken Opara said the event was the largest gathering of banking and finance professionals in Africa.

    Opara said that the conference provides the platform for professionals to come together to drive conversation on topical issues that are critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

    Read Also: Avoid actions capable of embarrassing govt, Shettima tells political aides

    He commended the reform initiatives of President Bola Tinubu, noting that if well implemented it could unlock the nation’s economic potential.

    ” The reform initiatives such as subsidy removal, unifying the foreign exchange regime, investing in infrastructure, promoting agriculture, supporting SMEs and tax reforms, among others, if well implemented will unlock the economic potentials of the country.”

    In attendance were, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market, Sen. Osita Izunaso.

    Other are the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Folashodun Shonubi, and World Bank Representative in Nigeria, Mr Shubam Chaudhuri, among others.

    (NAN)

  •  Shettima at Bookshop

     Shettima at Bookshop

    The sighting of Vice President Kashim Shettima at a South African Bookshop is making internet buzz. He sat, his eye popping between covers, like a student. Indeed, he is. It is what few know about him. When he was governor, his media aide, Isa Gusau, had lamented in an article that he had expected to follow his boss to the fancy shoe and fashion stores in Germany only to end among the scents and shadows of bookshelves. I sighted him once at a bookshop at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

    Read Also: Fed Govt will rejig N-Power scheme, pay beneficiaries, says Betta Edu

    We can muse on leaders and books, but no leader who does not read can engage his duties. Leadership requires cerebral light. President Tinubu also devours books, and I know  as president he will find time for that. It enriches perspectives, whether to appoint a youth, to recalibrate an economic idea, to put an event or policy in perspectives, to handle a character conundrum. There should be no limit to what to read. ”Read only history,” Napoleon was quoted as telling some of his men. But he read everything from Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great to the poets and even English novelists. A man once eyed Babatunde Fashola’s official car as governor and recounted the books the governor was reading. Obama intrigued America with his reading list. Before him, John F. Kennedy, who popularised the James Bond series, was reported to have finished a tome overnight before deciding on the Cuban nuclear crisis with Soviet Union. He was enamoured of his predecessors who read. When a group of Nobel Prize winners gathered for dinner at the white House, he quipped, “This is the best gathering of brains in the history of the White House except when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.” Jefferson loved his books. When his home caught fire, he asked, “Was not any of my books saved?” that was all he cared about. Another predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt, always had a book on his table, and he was notorious for reading between meetings and tasks. Simon Bolivar, regarded as the George Washington of Latin America, devoted his formative years with a mentor who made him read all the classics and study with avid zeal. Charles De Gaulle’s reading list was so fascinating that writers mailed him their new books. Churchill boasted that he read all the volumes of Gibbon’s The Decline and fall of Roman Empire. VP. Shettima may have turned our attention to something precious: Reading.

  • Ex-Naval Chief greets Shettima at 57

    Ex-Naval Chief greets Shettima at 57

    Former Chief of Naval Staff and Kogi State Accord governorship candidate in the November 11 poll, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin Oyibe (Rtd), has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on this 57th birthday.

    As part of his birthday message, Jibrin said he prays that Allah guides and preserves the Vice President as he discharges his duties for the development of Nigeria.

    Jibrin notes Shettima’s ‘’dedicated service to the nation’’, adding that it is his wish that Allah bestow His grace on the Vice President as he discharges his duties.

    He prays that the birthday marks a new beginning in the life of His Excellency and for better development in Nigeria.

  • Shettima, man of proven integrity, says Kano governor

    Shettima, man of proven integrity, says Kano governor

    The Governor Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabiru Yusuf, on Saturday described Vice President Kashim Shettima as a “gentleman of proven integrity.”

    The governor made the remarks in a letter of felicitation to the vice president who turned 57 years on Saturday.

    Wishing Shettima a happy birthday, Governor Yusuf further described the former Borno State governor as “a man with intellect and wisdom, whose visionary and exemplary leadership have positively impacted on the lives of millions of Nigerians over the years.”

    Read Also: Lawan eulogises VP Shettima at 57

    He expressed optimism that Sen. Shettima has the capacity to provide enormous contributions towards the general development of the country as demonstrated during his eight-year tenure as executive governor of Borno State.

    “I am very optimistic and confident that you will continue to prove your mettle well above the previous feats, particularly as you now add another year in your life full of renewed foresight, commitment and patriotism.

    “As you celebrate this auspicious occasion, we pray to Almighty Allah to continue to guide you in all your undertakings, give you sound health, more wisdom and fruitful years ahead,” the governor said.

    Kano State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Dantiye, in a statement on Saturday added that “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is wishing the vice president good health and God’s guidance in all his endeavours.”

  • How Shettima mentored me, others – Zulum

    How Shettima mentored me, others – Zulum

    Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, yesterday gave an insight into how  Vice President Kashim Shettima groomed him  and others for public service .

    Zulum, who had served as commissioner when  Shettima was governor of the state, described his predecessor as a rare ,great, and humble mentor.

    The governor, in a tribute on  his X (formerly Twitter) handle @GovBorno, to celebrate the Vice President’s 57th birthday said: “I once read a quotation attributed to Steven Spielberg which said: ‘The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.’

    Read ALso: Lawan eulogises VP Shettima at 57

    “Now, in his unique style of mentorship, His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, liberally gave us (his mentees) the rare opportunities of using what we have learnt from him to independently create our own identities of leadership for the benefit of our people in Borno State and beyond.

    “Today and always, we celebrate a great and humble mentor whose type is very difficult to find. May Allah in His infinite Grace, grant the Vice President many more years with the best of health and strength, the best of faith, the best of wisdom, the best of inner peace and the best of prosperity in this world and in the hereafter. Aamin!”

  • Lawan eulogises VP Shettima at 57

    Lawan eulogises VP Shettima at 57

    Former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has lauded Vice President Kashim Shettima, for his commitment to fostering democratic ideals.

    Lawan, in a birthday message he personally signed on the occasion of Shettima’s 57th birthday celebration, described the Vice President as a patriot, philanthropist, and an exceptional leader.

    According to him, Shettima’s contribution to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria marks him out to be celebrated for his genuine commitment to national growth and development.

    The former Senate President commended the Vice President for raising leaders within and outside the private and public sectors, who all share his vision for a greater Nigeria.

    Lawan said: “Your Excellency, I rejoice and celebrate with you as you mark another year, today. Indeed, you are a shining example of a true patriot committed to fostering democratic ideals.

    Read Also; I don’t like military incursion but happy with Gabon coup, says Fayose

    “Your forthrightness and generosity sets you apart from amongst your peers as a fine gentleman, philanthropist and an exceptional leader.

    “There is no gainsaying the fact that your previous service records and accomplishments from your time as governor of Borno State between 2011 and 2019; and Parliamentarian from 2019 to 2023, bestows you with the rare privilege and honour of being one of the blazing stars of the North East region.

    “This is not to mention your mentorship which has raised some of the finest leaders – within and outside the public and private sectors – who share your genuine passion, commitment and vision for national growth and development.

    “As an astute politician, your contribution to the sustenance of democracy has earned you your rightful place in the annals of our dear fatherland. Our nation is by far blessed to have you as its Vice President, particularly at this time.

    “As you celebrate your 57th birthday, may Almighty Allah (SWT) grant you wisdom and courage to carry out the responsibilities, as well as fulfill the obligations of your office to the benefit of our dear country and Nigerians. Above all, may His mercy, grace and protection be upon you and your family, now and always.

    “Your Excellency, I wish you many prosperous years ahead in good health of mind and body.”

  • Speaker, deputy eulogise VP Shettima at 57

    Speaker, deputy eulogise VP Shettima at 57

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu on Friday, September 1, eulogised Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima on his 57th birthday.

    While Speaker Abbas said the Vice President was an asset and a capable hand in the governance of the nation, his Deputy, Kalu described him as a patriotic, detribalized and selfless leader who has dedicated his life to render quality service to people both at the State and national levels.

    In a statement signer by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said the Vice President has demonstrated courage, zeal and commitment to nation building over the years, especially when he served as a two-term governor of Borno State and a senator of the Federal Republic.

    Speaker Abbas noted Senator Shettima’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, saying the Vice President has achieved a lot as an accomplished banker and a politician of repute at 57.

    Describing the Vice President as a great pillar to Nigeria, the Speaker said Shettima is an asset and a capable hand to assist President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve his mandate.

    Read Also: 57th birthday: Shettima bars well-wishers from placing paid adverts

    He said the Vice President has exhibited loyalty and commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to support them for the betterment of all.

    He said: “Our dear Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on the occasion of his 57th birthday. The VP remains a committed democrat whose belief in our democracy is unwavering.

    “The Vice President is also a capable hand to help the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration achieve the mandate Nigerians gave to it in February this year.

    “I make bold to say that Vice President Shettima is a role model to millions of Nigerians at home and abroad. Indeed, upcoming generations of Nigerians have a lot to learn from this formidable democrat.”

    On his part, the Deputy Speaker described the Vice President as a patriotic, detribalized and selfless leader who has dedicated his life to render quality service to people both at the State and national levels.

    He recalled that even in the midst of insurgency, Shettima as a two term governor of Borno State showed courage and stood firm in the governance of his state and delivered remarkably on the area of social infrastructure.

    In a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, Kalu said that the Vice President faced the challenges squarely and ultimately improved the well-being of the citizens.

    He also recalled Shettima’s impact as a senator at the National Assembly, saying he played a significant role in the enactment of many bills and motions of national importance which included tackling insecurity and strengthening the capacity of security agencies, among others.

    Describing Shetima as an exemplary leader and democrat, Kalu wished him many more years in good health and wisdom from the Almighty Allah.