Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged a robust alliance among government officials and development partners to eradicate poverty and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
Speaking at the 144th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima emphasized that achieving these goals required a unified approach from all levels of governance and development stakeholders.
Shettima highlighted the necessity of collaboration, stating, “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.”
He stressed the importance of addressing both immediate needs and building sustainable systems that foster self-reliance and prosperity.
Acknowledging the inherited challenges faced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Shettima noted that while long-term solutions are being developed, there is an urgent need for quick, impactful measures.
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He praised the efforts of development partners such as Bill Gates and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who were present at the meeting, for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s progress.
“Shettima commended Gates and Dangote as ‘two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled,’” according to a statement from his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha.
He recognized their extensive investments in critical areas like health, nutrition, agriculture, and education, describing their philanthropy as a steadfast commitment rather than seasonal generosity.
Shettima also highlighted the importance of the recent Nigeria Cassava Investment Accelerator (NCIA) initiative, which aims to transform the cassava industry. This project, championed by his office and hosted by the Lagos Business School in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group, is seen as a crucial step in boosting Nigeria’s economic and food security.
Addressing state governors, Shettima emphasized their role as stakeholders in Nigeria’s future. He said, “We are gathered here because none of us can fulfill the goals of guaranteeing the survival of our people in isolation.” He called for a collective effort to address issues like quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities, urging a focus on the socio-economic threats hindering development.
Shettima expressed satisfaction with the governors’ efforts to improve agriculture but stressed the need to address nutritional challenges, which have led to health issues such as stunting. He underscored that the nation’s future depends on the health and well-being of its children.
Bill Gates, in his remarks, praised Nigeria’s economic leaders for difficult reforms like unifying the exchange rate and identified raising revenue as a crucial next step. He described President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious and expressed confidence in the cabinet’s ability to tackle these challenges with limited resources.
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