Vice President Kashim Shettima has provided reassurance to Nigerians that their sacrifices will yield meaningful results, affirming that the commitments made by the Tinubu administration will be upheld.
In a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, a media aide to the Vice President, Shettima conveyed these sentiments during a public lecture held on Thursday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, marking Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.
He remarked that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is unwaveringly dedicated to constructing a nation where the economic self-sufficiency of every citizen is assured, eliminating the need for any individual to rely on unspecified handouts for their livelihood.
“Today, we convene to celebrate Nigeria’s odyssey in redefining its fate. At this moment, we find ourselves on the brink of history, contemplating a nation that has defied the prophecies of naysayers—a nation that has evolved into the epitome of resilience.
“Over the course of the past 63 years, we haven’t merely survived; we have thrived thanks to our collective determination, our unwavering commitment to progress, and the enduring bond of unity that unites us all—from Aba, traversing Ogbomosho, to Zaria. This resilience persists, even in the face of the machinations of minor vested interests,” the Vice President eloquently affirmed.
According to him, on this anniversary, Nigeria is presented with another opportunity to recognize the enduring cross-regional bonds that have consistently upheld the nation’s status as Africa’s most populous country and largest economy. He emphasized that their presence at this event serves as a reminder that the commitment to Nigeria’s future, which they pledged to its citizens, is not merely a hollow performance aimed at securing electoral support.
The Vice President underlined that the destiny of a great nation is not solely determined by the occurrence of socio-economic challenges but rather by the intent, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders and their unwavering dedication to implementing these ideas.
He articulated, “Our ability to rekindle hope within the nation hinges on our ability to fulfill our pledge to ensure food security and eliminate poverty. We cannot foster economic growth and encourage job creation without facilitating access to capital, strengthening national security, and optimizing the business environment for our enterprises.”
He further stated, “Our commitment extends to upholding the rule of law and combating corruption, both essential components in designing the Nigeria of our dreams. None of these objectives can be achieved unless each citizen actively contributes as a strategic partner in the pursuit of our collective national interests.”
Reflecting on the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Shettima emphasized that “the tragedy serves as a stark reminder that viruses do not discriminate based on ethnicity or religion. Our national strength is derived from our collective commitment to the principles that define us and the ethical character of our leaders.”
The VP went on to stress the pivotal role of leadership in shaping the destiny of a nation, asserting that “the future of a great nation hinges on the intentions, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders and their unwavering dedication to implementing them.”
Moreover, the Vice President acknowledged the enduring sacrifices made by Nigerians over the years, underscoring how such solidarity has inspired the government to channel its efforts into a wide array of sectors, encompassing agriculture, digital technology, healthcare, and education.
He articulated, “From the very outset of our mission to serve the people, we understood that the path would not be devoid of challenges and obstacles. We were well aware that difficulties would arise, testing our resolve. However, history has repeatedly demonstrated that Nigerians possess a resilience that cannot be shattered by momentary setbacks. We will emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us infused with renewed hope.”
With steadfast determination, Senator Shettima proclaimed, “At the age of 63, we acknowledge that our enduring strength and the force propelling us forward is our collective belief that surmounting the challenges we’ve inherited demands sacrifices.”
He emphasized that these sacrifices represent investments in a brighter future, one that will ensure the well-being of both the present and future generations.
Vice President Shettima reminded the nation, saying, “As we collaborate towards a future where opportunities have no limits, let us not forget that our most potent weapon is the unwavering commitment of the majority to choose unity over chaos and democracy over anarchy.”
In his earlier address, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, urged the Federal Government to consider raising the wages of workers to alleviate the current economic situation in the country. He advised the administration to build upon the existing synergy among the different branches of government to deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
Furthermore, during a lecture on the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of the Tinubu administration, themed “Realizing the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socio-economic Development through Effective Leadership,” the guest speaker, Dr. Goke Adegoroye, lauded President Tinubu for the steps taken thus far in repositioning governance and reviving the economy. However, he encouraged the administration to prioritize key aspects of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda to ensure its impact is felt across various sectors of the economy.
Among those present at the event were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Esan; and Ministers including Mr. Mohammed Idris (Information), Prof. Joseph Utsev (Water Resources and Sanitation), Mr. Nyesom Wike (FCT), Alh. Atiku Bagudu (Budget and Economic Planning), Amb. Yusuf Tuggar (Foreign Affairs), Mr. Dele Alake (Solid Minerals Development), Alh. Ibrahim Gaidam (Police Affairs), Mr. Shuaibu Audu (Steel Development), and Sa’idu Alkali (Transportation), among others.
Also in attendance were heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as members of the diplomatic community.
