By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a formidable alliance among key players in governance to wriggle Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of lives of all citizens.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He also emphasised the need for those in the business of governance to collaborate to create an environment where every Nigerians have the opportunity to thrive.

Shettima, however, acknowledged that Nigerians are in urgent need of quick and impactful measures, which President Bola Tinubu was solving through the implementations of long-term solutions.

“Our commitment to alleviating poverty and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians will never materialize if we do not align with one another.

” We must strive to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

“This includes not only addressing immediate needs but also building sustainable systems that empower our citizens to become self-reliant and prosperous.”

He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates.

He also applauded the Chairman of Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were at the NEC meeting.

He described Dangote and Gates as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”.

He said that the two have invested enormous resources into the welfare of Nigerians, spanning critical areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture, and education.

” Their philanthropy is not seasonal but a steadfast commitment that continues to shape our nation’s future.

” We did not survive the lowest points of our journey as a nation by the proactivity of the government alone; we did so because we remained partners in rain and sunshine.

“So, permit me to once again extend the nation’s deepest gratitude to our guests, whose empathy has always shone through whenever they are needed.

” Mr Gates, in particular, has been a steadfast friend of Nigeria, contributing immensely to our nation’s inclusive economic growth and the well-being of our people in both tumult and tranquility.

” The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has recently approved a significant investment—the Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA).

” This initiative, championed by my office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, sets out to revolutionize our cassava industry, an essential pillar of our economy and food security.”

Shettima described sub-nationals in the federation as stakeholders in redefining the future of Nigeria.

” We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation.

” Whether by expanding access to quality education, improving healthcare, or offering skills training and job opportunities, it is clear that each one of us has the power to influence policy and decisions at various levels.

” Our success relies on recognizing the socio-economic threats that have pulled us down the development index and, more importantly, on our resolve to walk the talk.”

Shettima expressed delight with the efforts and reforms made so far by state governors to boost agriculture.

” However, we must not overlook the state of nutrition in our nation, which has led to stunting and other health challenges.

” This is a crisis that demands our unified attention and action. The future of this nation hinges on the health and well-being of our children,” he added.

On his part, Mr Gates reiterated his bet on the incredible potential of Nigerians, noting that “Nigeria’s economic leaders have done some difficult, but necessary things, like unifying the exchange rate.

“The next great hurdle is raising revenue. I understand this is a politically sensitive area where Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen.

” Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.”

He described Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious.

Gate, however, said the Nigerian leader has assembled a cabinet ready to meet the challenge, adding that “with limited resources, putting the funds to the best possible use is key”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Accountant General of the Federation provided the council with an update on the Excess Crude Account.

According to him, the account currently stands at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund has a balance of N3,451,078,538.57, and the Stabilisation Account holds N33,875,398,389.75. (https://www.nannews.ng)(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to fellow compatriots, associates and numerous well-wishers across the country not to place congratulatory adverts on his 58th birthday.

He made the appeal in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the vice-president will turn 58 years old on Monday, Sept. 2.

Shettima, therefore, implored friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

The vice-president insisted that he would not want an elaborate pomp marking the day.

“As this auspicious moment draws closer, V-P Shettima fervently implores family members, friends and associates who may wish to place goodwill messages as advertisements to kindly donate the funds to charity organisations and vulnerable citizens instead.

“This aligns with the commitment of the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Tinubu to address issues of development and economic growth, as well as improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The vice president remains ever grateful for the goodwill he enjoys from Nigerians, demonstrated toward him over the years.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has empahaised the need for reforms within the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to curb financial mismanagement, negligence and maltreatment of pilgrims.

Gbajabiamila made the call on Wednesday during a fact-finding visit to NAHCON headquarters in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of efforts to engage with government agencies under the supervision of State House.

He said NAHCON should not be involved in any controversy because of its mandate and what it represented.

“It’s a religious commission. It’s a commission that was set up to fulfill religious and spiritual obligations for men and women of faith.

“Pilgrims travel every year to fulfill an Islamic obligation. Not only that, when they’re there, they’re there as ambassadors of Nigeria.

“As ambassadors of Nigeria, it is expected that they will carry the emblem and the flag of Nigeria on their full chest to represent, and to show both in demeanour and conduct, who and what we are.

“We regret the fact that quite often pilgrims are maltreated due to improper organisation by NAHCON during hajj operations,” he said.

According to him, pilgrims end up sometimes not conducting themselves appropriately, and that the Commission must accept responsibility for the the conduct of pilgrims both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He urged the management and staff of the Commission to work closely with the Office of the Vice-President, which oversees the agency, to identify past mistakes, make corrections and ensure seamless operations for pilgrims.

“What happened has happened and we are here to chart a way forward.

“It is time that the system of the commission is reformed in such a way that it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Also, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, echoed the Chief of Staff’s position, emphasising the need for early preparation for Hajj.

“Hajj is essentially a big-logistics operation. I was involved in the 2024 operation, and one of the key lessons learnt is the need for early preparation.

“Nigeria has the largest quota of pilgrims from Africa, and we have countries whose quota is less than the number from a state in Nigeria.

“The Hajj Commission also needs to be more transparent in informing pilgrims what they are paying for,” Hadeija said.

Responding, Prince Aliu Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Executive Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, called for an overhaul of the commission’s accounting system.

He also called for an improvement of federal character representation within the organisation.

“The Commission is described as a national entity, but federal character is not fully represented.

“If you go through the nominal roll, it is dominated by a particular region,” Abdulrazak said.

Similarly, the Chief of Staff visited the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and stressed the need to shift disaster management from a reactive to a proactive approach.

He emphasised the importance of prevention over mitigation, and noted that many disasters in the country could be avoided with better preparation and early warnings.

“The mandate NEMA has is two pronged: prevention of disaster and mitigation of disaster.

“But it appears that we concentrate more on mitigation and leave the other side of the mandate, which is prevention.

“We must look more closely at the area of prevention because a lot of these disasters can be prevented,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko