Shettima Urges Unified Action To Tackle Poverty

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called for a formidable alliance among key government players at all levels and development partners to lift Nigerians out of poverty and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

This, he said, will never happen if all those involved in the business of governance do not align with one another to create an environment where every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.

Senator Shettima, who spoke on Wednesday during the 144th meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, suggested ways to address the immediate needs of the citizens, including building sustainable systems that empower them to become self-reliant and prosperous.

However, he acknowledged that even though the problems inherited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration cannot be solved overnight despite the long-term solutions in progress, Nigerians urgently need quick, impactful measures.

“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,” the VP stated.

He commended the efforts of development partners, particularly the co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr Bill Gates, and chairman of the Dangote Group of Companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who was at the NEC meeting, describing them as “two distinguished individuals whose commitment to Nigeria’s progress is unparalleled”

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

He stated: “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 government’s proactivity 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 tranquillity. 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.”

The Vice President said that state governments are subnationals in the federation and are all “stakeholders in redefining the future” of Nigeria.

He continued: “We are gathered here because none of us can fulfil 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.”

Underscoring how critical investing in food security is, VP 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.

For his part, Mr Bill Gates reiterated his bet on Nigerians’ incredible potential, 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.”

Describing President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda as ambitious, Gate 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.