Abati: I thought I could rattle Tinubu during media chat — but he knows what he’s doing

By Timothy Choji, Maiduguri

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has stressed the importance of domestic solutions to its present challenges.

He has therefore urged Nigerians to harness their collective knowledge and expertise to build a resilient economy and address global challenges such as climate change.

He made the declaration while addressing the University of Ibadan Muslim Graduates’ Association (UIMGA) in a grand reception organized in his honour in Ibadan at the weekend.

Vice President Shettima, represented by Jamiu Abiola, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Office of the Vice President, paid tribute to the University of Ibadan for shaping his worldview and instilling in him the values of public service.

VP Shettima expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome challenges, acknowledging the intellectual capabilities of its citizens and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“Today, I wish to share with you that even as Nigeria strives to overcome the consequences of geopolitical events around us and the domestic threats to our lives and the economy, we are comforted by your intellectual capabilities to understand the necessity of the decisions we have taken to salvage Nigeria.

“Our government stands resolute in confronting these obstacles, and in our belief in working together to build the Nigeria of our dream,” he affirmed.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima highlighted the importance of education and collaboration in propelling the nation towards a brighter future.

“My time at this premier institution not only reinforced my belief in the equalizing power of education, but here, I also learned the wisdom of viewing each other as brothers and sisters in word and action,” the Vice President stated.

He commended the UIMGA for its remarkable contributions to society, highlighting their initiatives in providing scholarships, conducting workshops, organizing awareness campaigns, and hosting public lectures on critical developmental issues.

“To achieve the society we desire, we must build a synergy between the gown and the town, between the public and the private, and between the student and the practicing specialists,” he asserted.

Vice President Kashim Shettima obtained a master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics in 1991 at the University of Ibadan. (VoN)