Vice President Kashim Shettima affirms that, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Government is actively pursuing economic recovery through bold decisions that are poised to reshape the nation’s economic landscape in the long term. He emphasizes that this commitment is the driving force behind the administration’s focus on youth empowerment and human capital development.
The Vice President conveyed these sentiments on Monday during a meeting with the management of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), led by the Commandant, Ayodele Adeleke, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He assured them that President Tinubu’s administration is resolute in leaving a legacy of a nation firmly on the path to prosperity.
The NISS delegation visited the Presidential Villa to present to the Vice President the report of a study conducted by 86 participants in the institute’s Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 16, focusing on the theme, ‘Globalisation and Regional Economic Integration: Implications for Sustainable Development in Africa.’
The Vice President praised the efforts of the faculty and members of EIMC 16, highlighting that the study’s recommendations align with the perspectives of the current administration, particularly emphasizing the “Advocacy for investing in ICT and infrastructure development.” Regarding the EIMC 16 research study theme, the VP commented, “It is very apt, especially given the circumstances we have found ourselves in on the African continent. We are challenged from all angles – cyber-terrorism, human and drug trafficking, money laundering, transnational extremism, and banditry, and the challenges of climate change.”
Diversification
Addressing the imperative to diversify the economy away from oil, VP Shettima observed that in the next 20 to 30 years, oil may not hold the same value as it does today.
“Our primary fortune and source of happiness lie in being predominantly a gas nation. However, our most crucial asset is our human capital, which we must effectively harness. Investing in education is imperative. I am confident that, with the right infrastructure and effective leadership, we can revolutionize this nation,” he declared.
The Vice President further emphasized that, with competent leadership at all levels of governance, the nation’s expanding population can be mobilized and strategically deployed to drive economic transformation.
He expressed, “Let’s generate employment, involve the youth, and invest in their education. Addressing challenges such as terrorism and banditry is possible, but the key factor is the quality of leadership.”
In his earlier remarks, the institute’s Commandant, Ayodele Adeleke, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to excellence and a strong sense of responsibility since assuming office.
The Commandant urged African economies to prioritize investment in ICT infrastructure as a crucial driver for economic growth, alongside a commitment to research and development.
The Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) is designed to equip strategic-level security and intelligence officers, as well as top-level management, with the necessary skills to fulfill their roles and contribute positively to the implementation of national security policies and overall national development.
Participants in EIMC 16 were selected from 35 agencies in Nigeria and four other African countries: Chad, The Gambia, Niger, and Rwanda.
Quest: Cris-Edesiri Odjomah