Former President Muhammadu Buhari has described Vice-President Kashim Shettima as a politician whose career has been remarkable.
Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Adviser to the former president in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, quoted Buhari in a telephone call to Shettima as saying this when he congratulated him on his birthday.
Shehu also said that Buhari congratulated the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who also marks his 68th birthday on Wednesday.
“Your journey from governor to senator and now vice-president has been remarkable,” he quoted Buhari as saying.
He said that Buhari wished Shettima many happy returns and prayed for strength and good health for the vice-president to enable him to discharge the enormous responsibility.
He also prayed to God to grant him the strength to continue to support Tinubu in their efforts to make life better for the citizens and build Nigeria into a strong and virile democratic nation.
In a similar message to Mustapha, Buhari described the former SFG, who served under his administration, as a transformative leader.
“Your far-reaching vision and strong leadership have in no small measure contributed to all that we achieved as an administration,’’ Shehu quoted as Buhari saying.
He prayed to God Almighty to keep Mustapha happy, safe and healthy to continue to be useful to the country.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday says President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working assiduously to tame all bottlenecks to universal education in the country.
According to him , this is being championed through the ongoing reforms of the institutions tasked with overcoming the ideologies and inadequacies frustrating the sub sector.
Shettima stated this at the launching of a book titled,” Navigating the Politics of Universal Education Policies in Nigeria”, authored by Prof. Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Abuja.
” As a steward of the nation, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu is leading the charge to reform the institutions tasked with overcoming the ideologies and inadequacies that had frustrated universal education in Nigeria.”
Shettima said the lack of financial autonomy for the local governments that were responsible for delivering primary education had financially hindered its alignment of the administrative units with the nation’s education agenda.
He, however, said that the recent Supreme Court judgment empowering the local government councils to control their resources brought them closer to the people.
“It provides new hope for our educational initiatives. We need to align with the governance and see that the educational needs of our children are catered for.”
Shettima warned that the local government autonomy should not be abused, stressing that it should be used as a fulcrum, window and avenue for addressing educational needs at the grassroots.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
”And without the partnership between the Federal Government, the state and the local governments, very little can be accomplished.
” Just 15 to 20 years ago, local governments were not paying the salaries of primary school teachers and even the health workers.
” So, we have to put a mechanism in place to safeguard the interests of our core workers in the local government system,” he added.
Shettima reiterated his call on Nigerians to invest their trust in President Tinubu, emphasising that Tinubu meant well for the country.
He said, ” Tinubu is not in power to engage in primitive capital accumulation, nor is he in power to leave landmarks in the sands of time.
” I’m not playing politics, I’m speaking from the heart. I have seen the soul of Bola Tinubu, and he has a good soul. He is the most demonised politician in Nigeria.
“The first time I went to his house at Bourdillon, I was looking forward to seeing a mansion comparable to Buckingham Palace, with gardens, and swimming pools.
”But there was nothing special about that house. My house in Maiduguri is better than the house in Bourdillon,” Shettima said.
The vice-president assured Nigerians that in the coming months, the country would witness a positive change in the economy and fortunes of the nation.
Shettima urged governments at all levels to focus on policies that empower those at the forefront of implementing initiatives that inspire interest in education.
“Tinubu’s decision to establish the Students’ Loan Scheme in the country was to secure the future of Nigerian children.
” The initiative ensures that every student has access to loans to pay their tuition, and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has already recorded an overwhelming number of applications.
“This is a landmark achievement, signalling the bright future we are building for our youth.
” Beyond making education universally free, our experience shows that incentivising is the most practical gateway before us.
”This is why all of us, across all levels and branches of government, must join this campaign to educate the nation”.
Shettima said the realities inherited by the Tinubu administration demanded urgent action to ensure that education was not only accessible but also desirable for every Nigerian child.
“Many primary and secondary school-age children are still not attending or completing their education, and a large portion of the youth population lacks basic literacy skills, with notable gender disparities.
” This is what we must overcome,” he added.
Shettima commended Adelabu for providing answers to some of the most pressing challenges confronting policymakers.
According to him, the book will inspire informed conversations around the state and future of education in Nigeria.
He said, “As both a theorist and a practitioner in our education sector, Prof. Adelabu’s insights are borne out of experience and passion.
”I believe this book will serve as a critical resource for all who seek to improve our educational landscape.”
Earlier, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, praised the author for her contributions to Nigerian educational development and society.
He said that, “Prof. Adelabu’s life is a testament to the abiding faith of God in our lives.
”Her quest for excellence and service to humanity is a reflection of her academic excellence and intellectualism.”
Also, the book reviewer, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, Department of History and International Studies, Osun University also lauded Adelabu’s work.
” The author has singled out the politics and financing of education in this book.
”It’s impossible to separate politics, education, and finance, as the major stakeholders, are political players.”
The author emphasised the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of the education system.
Adelabu said, “We need to reevaluate our education system to meet the needs of our country and prepare our children for both domestic and global environments.’
She called for a focus on not just academic subjects, but also values like democracy, justice, and good governance.
Discussants of the book, including former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted the need to distinguish between school attendance and quality education.
He said, “We’re spending more money on education than ever before. However, we need to make a distinction between going to school and getting an education.”
The don also called for a review of the Universal Basic Education Commission law and pondered on the capacity of local governments to handle complex educational reforms.
Former First Lady of Ekiti, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, drew attention to the persistent challenges in girl-child education.
According to her, Nigeria has about 18.3 million out-of-school children, the highest in the world, with 50-60 per cent being girls.
She proposed implementing gender-specific education policies and removing obstacles to girls’ education, such as insecurity and conflict. (NAN) (wwww.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Friday reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s determination to address, support and empower more Nigerian youths to excel in their careers.
Shettima said this when he received the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing in Abuja.
The wing was led by the party’s National Youth Leader, Mr Dayo Israel, during the visit.
He said Tinubu holds Nigerian youths in high esteem, adding that his commitment was evident in his appointments and the administration’s policies and initiatives.
Shettima said some of the initiatives are the Youth Investment Fund, Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, and the National Youth Development Bank.
He added that apart from addressing genuine concerns affecting the youths, the administration’s focus on young persons was premised on the trust and confidence Tinubu has in them.
He explained that “the youths are the lifeblood of any nation and Mr President acknowledges this fact.
“I want to assure you that President Bola Tinubu has the best interest of the youths at heart.
“Tinubu has demonstrated this in most of the programmes that this administration is doing and has undertaken to do.”
The vice-president further expressed confidence in the ability of the present administration to address all concerns raised across different quarters.
He appealed for more time for the government’s plans and programmes to begin to manifest and commended the leadership of the APC youth wing for the commitment and patience.
Shettima gave the assurance that all the group’s requests would be addressed in due course.
Earlier, the APC National Youth Leader had thanked the vice-president “for the love and commitment to the affairs of young people in the country.”
He informed Shettima of the body’s programmes aimed at engaging youths in the country, regardless of their socio-political backgrounds.
According to him, the APC Youth Wing has developed a four-year strategic plan to help young Nigerians to understand and overcome challenges.
The plan, he said, would also help the younger generation to harness opportunities across diverse fields within and outside the country.
He listed the Enterprise-Skills Development Training (EDET) Programme, Workplace Readiness and Employability Skills Training Programme (WREST-P), among others, as some of the initiatives to engage youths across the country.
Israel also requested the presence of the vice-president at the forthcoming Progressive Youth Leadership Summit with the theme “Shaping the Future We Want: Restiveness, Inclusion, Development, Action.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday emphasised the urgent need for financial innovation to drive Nigeria’s economic and financial inclusion agenda.
According to Shettima, this is in line with the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector.
The vice-president made the call via a video high-level policy dialogue between the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders held in Washington DC, the United States capital.
The dialogue brought together government officials, regulators, law enforcement agencies, and fintech industry leaders at the George Washington University.
It aims to leverage innovative approaches to drive a sustainable and inclusive financial system in Nigeria.
The dialogue also focused on addressing critical challenges in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, including regulatory oversight, security concerns, and trust issues that have hindered the widespread adoption of innovative financial solutions.
Participants explored strategies to enhance interagency collaboration and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the financial services sector.
The vice-president highlighted Tinubu’s commitment to bringing over 30 million unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial sector in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We must develop a sustainable collaboration approach that will facilitate the adoption of inclusive payment to achieve our objective of economic and financial inclusion,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia, sad the Office of the vice president gave priority to economic and financial inclusion.
Hadejia said it was expected that each agency of government would continue to play their statutory role collaboratively to achieve the set objective.
Also, Philip Ikeazor, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria in charge of Financial System Stability, stressed the need for ongoing collaboration among all players to achieve the objectives of the Aso Accord on Economic and Financial Inclusion.
The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, proposed “a Digital-first approach and the need to fuse Digital Literacy with Financial literacy as a means to address trust issues affecting the inclusive payment ecosystem.”
The General Manager, Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, said that addressing trust issues that have slowed down the adoption of innovative Fintech solutions for economic and financial inclusion could be addressed through public-private collaborations.
Dr Nurudeen Zauro, the Technical Advisor to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, explained the gathering would eventually evolve into a mechanism that would provide relevant information to the Office of the vice-president.
This, according to him, will facilitate effective decision-making for economic and financial inclusion.
The high-level engagement resulted in various recommendations covering rules, infrastructure, and coordination, with a focus on implementable actions and clear accountabilities.
Other speakers at the event included Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun; and the Executive Director of the Center for Curriculum Development and Learning (CCDL) at George Washington University, Prof. Pape Cisse.
Others are the assistant Vice-President at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Mr Reginald Emordi; Regional Director for Africa at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Mr Lars Benson, among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
The Federal Government has revealed plans to set up a Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made this known on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day (WPD), organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This, he said, is in addition to a Youth Data Bank and a National Youth Development Bank, as well as the already existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WPD is annually commemorated on July 11 around the globe to raise awareness of global population issues and to celebrate those who contributed to solving such issues.
The 2024 edition of the global observance has “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All” as its theme.
Shettima, therefore, said “it is worthy to note that under the present dispensation, we were able to fulfill the 30 per cent quota for youth inclusion in governance across all tiers of government and most importantly, the President has walked the talk.
“He approved N110 billion for the Youth Investment Fund. We are setting up the National Youth Development Bank. We are going to set up the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Cluster worth N110 billion.
“This is in addition to the Youth Data Bank that minister earlier talked about that we are setting up.”
The vice-president pointed out that if governments at all levels have access to inclusive data sources, policy actions and investments would align with the needs of citizens.
He listed the needs to include the provision of decent jobs that pay sustainable incomes to working-age population, creation of affordable and equitable access to quality healthcare services at all levels, and quality education for all.
Shettima, who is the Chairman, National Economic Council (NEC), pledged to use the platform and other networks within his purview to ensure people and communities remained government’s focus for development.
He added that “I believe that aligning the people with investment choices will transform quantity (numbers) to quality (capital) and from liability to assets, guaranteeing rapid economic growth.”
Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, had urged partners present at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.
She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potential of young people for national development, regardless of their location and status. (NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says improved data collection and analysis is key to national development, especially in guiding government’ decisions.
Shettima stated this on Thursday at the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day, organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The vice-president also underscored the importance of deployment of technology to generate comprehensive and inclusive data in strengthening systems and institutions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the theme of the 2024 world population day is “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.
Shettima said “Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.
“It is the most realistic picture of situations, trends, and patterns; it tells us how many we are, with an understanding of the age structure, sex structure, location, and more.
“Data is the true story of our experiences and informs us about today and the future through scientific projections, forecasting, and analysis.
He added: “Despite our last census taking place about 18 years ago, Nigeria has never relegated the importance of data.
” This is why the theme of the Day, invites us to recommit to improving our data collection, analysis, and deployment of modern technology.
” This will generate more comprehensive and inclusive evidence to guide government decisions, investment options, and development paths.”
The vice-president noted that inclusive data had been one of the major challenges to governance in Nigeria for decades.
He reassured that with President Bola Tinubu in the saddle, Nigerians now have a leader who “is not only a man of numbers, as a first-rate accountant, but also recognises them as critical components in the nation’s development drive.”
Earlier, the Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, urged partners at the event to leverage scientific evidence to resolve the myriads of challenges confronting the various segments of the world’s population.
She also disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build a youth data bank that would be dedicated to harnessing the potentials of young people for national development regardless of their location and status. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday joined other mourners for the funeral prayers of late Ibrahim Lamorde, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who passed away on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the funeral prayer which held at the Abuja National Mosque, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Others are Govs. Babagana Zulum of Borno, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Sen. Ali Ndume, Elder statesman Umar Mutallab, Sen. Ali Sheriff, and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayele Ahmed.
Shettima, who offered prayer for the departed soul, emphasised the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability that guided Lamorde’s life.
” Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a dedicated public servant, but also to reaffirm our commitment to the principles of justice and integrity.
” As we offer our sincere prayers for the departed soul, let us also renew our resolve to walk the path of righteousness.
” The fight against corruption is a sacred duty, and it is incumbent upon us to purge our institutions of any traces of graft for the sake of our nation and our future generations.”
He also stated that “funeral prayer reminds us of the ephemeral nature of this world and the certainty of the hereafter.
” Let us strive to leave behind a legacy of integrity, just as Ibrahim Lamorde dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and the eradication of financial crimes.
” I call upon all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to unite in this noble cause.
” Together, we can build a nation where corruption has no place, and the principles of the Qur’an guide our actions and decisions,” he said.
Lamorde, aged 61 and EFCC third Executive Chairman died on Sunday morning in Egypt, where he had travelled for medical treatment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lamorde, according to a family source, died around 3.00am local time in Cairo, Egypt, three days after undergoing a surgery.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima (5th Right) with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu and others at the funeral prayers of late Ibrahim Lamorde, former Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
He was born on Dec. 20, 1962, in Mubi, Adamawa , and attended Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 1984.
He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector-General
Lamorde was the pioneer Director of Operations of the anti-graft agency when it was created in 2003.
He was acting chairman of the commission in Janu2008, a position he held until Waziri was appointed chairperson and confirmed by the senate in June 2008.
Lamorde returned to the EFCC in 2010 as Director of Operations, replacing Stephen Otitoju.
He was appointed in an acting capacity as chairman of the anti-graft agency on Nov. 23, 2011 following the removal of Farida Waziri by then President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was made third substantive chairman of the agency on Feb. 15, 2012, a position he held until Nov. 9, 2015, when former President Muhammadu Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng) (NAN)
By Ismail Abdulaziz
The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) says the recent Supreme Court verdict on election litigations has justified its support for President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 2023 general election.
The council said its support was anchored on promoting merit above other considerations, and to put Nigeria on the path of progress and development.
This is contained in a communique at the end of a two-day national conference of the council, on Thursday in Abuja.
The sharia council said that so far, the performance of the administration has made majority of patriotic Nigerians to now see through the false criticism of their ticket during the elections.
”Majority of Nigerians however saw the ticket as a progressive move which transcends religious sentiments and focused on political calculation that emphasizes merit over and above other considerations.
”The conference equally noted the post election litigations up to the apex court, confirm that majority of Nigerians have resolved to do away with all form of sentiments.
”The council reiterated its commitment to its struggle and participation in the campaign in bringing about the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led government.”
The communique was signed by the council’s President, Sheikh AbdurRasheed Hadiyatullah and Secretary General, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmed.
It also expressed full support for the anti-corruption drive of the government and all its policies aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
It advised Tinubu to ensure equity, justice and fairness in appointments and governance, adding that this would convince Nigerians about the sincerity of the administration towards improving their wellbeing.
”Your watch words should be good governance through fair and equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that every citizen of Nigeria fears nothing about the two gentlemen coming from the same faith.”
On security, the council called for effective intelligence gathering and sustained offensive against terrorists and other criminals in the county.
It also advised the government to promote community-oriented policing, and foster trust between security forces and local communities to ensure the success of current efforts to restore peace in various parts of the country.
”The conference urged the Federal Government to promote dialogue and reconciliation among the citizens of this country with a view to enhancing effective communication between warring communities and contending interest groups, towards ensuring sustainable peace and development.”
The Shariah Council called for the review of the Constituion to give more powers to governors “to truely perform their duties as chief security officers of their states and nib insecurity in the bud at the grassroots”.
It condemned the killings, maiming and attacks across the country, calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.
The sharia council particularly urged the Federal Government “to launch full scale investigation and prosecution of those arrested on all cases leading to the killings around the country.”
It called for more policies to allevaite the plights of Nigerians through social safety nets, job creation, private sector growth and small business development.
The council expressed concern about the theft of children and changing their identities by criminal syndicates and urged relevant authourities to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
It said that the gross violation of the children’s rights must be brought to an end.
The council commended federal government for standing with citizens and refusing to succumb to the promotion of the LGBTQAI+ in Nigeria.
It said in addition to that effort, the government should place total ban on all ponographic social media channels and websites promoting pervasion and social vices.
While urging Muslims to turn sincerely to Allah, the council called on Islamic clerics to maintain their leading roles as guiding lamps to the believers, and promote knowledge sharing and consensus opinion on important issues.
It further urged them to lead their followers in praying for the country’s leaders to have the courage and ability to deal with the current insecurity and economic hardships Nigerian citizens are facing.(NAN)
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed
Vice President Kashim Shettima has identified agricultural revolution as a panacea to insecurity and poverty in the country.
Shettima stated this while delivering the 13th convocation lecture of the Al-Hikmah University in Ilorin, Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of the lecture was: “Addressing Nigeria’s Food Security Challenge Through Hi-Tech Approach: The Role of Nigerian Universities”.
He said that a revolution could be achieved through the deployment of technology to actualise food security for the country’s growing population.
Shettima underscored the role of education and training of the country’s population to take full advantage of the growing influence of technology in all aspects of human existence.
“It is only when Nigeria begins to think boldly about revolutionising production, processing and guaranteeing sustained food security, that it can identify sectors of the nation’s agricultural assets that are most likely to benefit from the application of technology.
“Nigeria’s future can be secured by agricultural revolution through imaginative and bold leadership, a secure and peaceful environment, and a sound education system that does not reduce the limit of the citizens to only the sky.
“The final issue involves the choices Nigerians have to make regarding our future. We can overcome insecurity if we can grow our economy to radically reduce our poverty levels. Only an agricultural revolution can guarantee this.”
He said Nigeria could reduce its dependence on the rest of the world when the country can employ all who seek employment.
“We can improve our levels of political cohesion when we reduce stresses around diminishing resources and rely more on what we all have in abundance.
“I have a very healthy vision of our future as a nation, even when I am advised that we have huge challenges.
“I see a country that can survive its current limitations. History is replete with countries that almost gave up, but are among the strongest today.
“I believe our future lies in an imaginative and bold leadership, a secure and peaceful environment, and an education system that teaches us that only the sky is not our limit.”
The vice president noted that Nigeria has no justification not to be among the 10 richest countries in the world.
Shettima emphasised the value of realistic stocktaking of the nation’s assets and liabilities.
“Going by the amount of arable land, water resources and size of our humanity, Nigeria has no reason not to be among the 10 richest countries today.
“That we are near the bottom is precisely why we sought to offer our services to do justice to all that God has bestowed us with.
“Nigeria today reminds us that it is not enough to have potential. Indeed, the potential to grow and the failure to utilize that potential is a virtual death sentence for any living thing.
“For nations, it breeds frustration and decay. For countries such as ours, it breeds unacceptable levels of poverty and avoidable conflicts as we see today.”
“The call to transform potential into assets is the motivation for President Bola Tinubu. That is what he wants to offer to the nation in this most trying moment.
“And, I can testify to his faith, that this is a task that can be accomplished.”
He maintained that Nigeria had enough of everything needed to feed its huge population, grow a vibrant agricultural industry and supply huge markets with agricultural produce from which technology would have extracted the greatest value.
“In 25 years, we will have a population of about 450 million people. Only about 100 million of that population will be actively involved in economic activities because the rest are either too old or too young.
“This 100 million will have to be prepared to be optimally productive, and only a visionary and sustained marriage between technology and raw assets can ensure that. We believe this can and must be done.”
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Noah Yusuf, noted that food insecurity had become a big problem in Nigeria.
According to him, most citizens are struggling with how to find food for their daily living.
He thanked the Kwara State Government for constructing the road leading to the university and granting the permission to name the road after the university.
In attendance were Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, his deputy, Kayode Alabi, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters (Office of the Vice President), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
Others are the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Al-Hikmah University, Sekinat Yusuf, the Founder of the University, AbdulRaheem Oladimeji, Senators representing Kwara at the National Assembly, among others. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the welfare of the Armed Forces and families of fallen heroes.
Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, in a statement on Wednesday said Shettima stated this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima spoke shortly after he was decorated with the emblem of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day by the National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin.
He said the administration’s resolve was in acknowledgement of the sacrifices of service personnel to the unity of Nigeria and sustenance of global peace.
Shettima recalled the heroics of Nigerian service personnel in conflict theatres at home, across Africa and beyond.
” We really need to identify with the families of our fallen heroes, those who made the supreme sacrifice in the enthronement of peace in our country and our world in general, from Congo to Liberia, Sierra Leone and beyond.
” My heart goes out to the families of those who paid the supreme price. We have the moral burden to support them.”
Earlier, Jibrin, explained that the annual armed forces remembrance day celebration was a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He urged Nigerians to always remember the families of the fallen heroes, especially by contributing resources through the Nigerian Legion for the welfare of their loved ones.
It will be recalled that Tinubu had in October launched the emblem appeal for the 2024 armed forces remembrance day, restating his government’s commitment to the repositioning of the armed forces. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
