Kashim Shettima, the newly sworn in vice president, who an expert in agricultural economics, is now the chairman of the National Economic Council, NEC. Shettima is an economic strategist whose skills in profit and wealth maximisation earned him accelerated promotions in the banking sector.
Apart from the inimitable Jim Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank, no one else has risen professionally like the vice president, who championed the cause of Zenith Bank’s growth.
Shettima’s eye-catching performance in the banking system endeared him to the then Governor of Borno State, Dr. Ali Modu Sharif, who first appointed him as the commissioner for finance and economic development in 2007. He would later become the commissioner for agriculture as well as commissioner for health, and local government and chieftaincy affairs.
Every transition in Shettima’s life is merit-based. He doesn’t get things on a platter of gold.
The former banking guru is renowned for his honey badger courage, who never hesitates to attack animals much larger than itself including lions and crocodiles.
Shettima knew the consequences of standing with his boss, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the time all abandoned him but the lion’s bravery in him motivated him to stand by what he firmly believed in. His bravery is worthy of emulation because he always hunts big and gets them.
The former governor of Borno state, in his campaign for the 2023 presidential election, had explicitly spoken about the issues affecting this country and extensively suggested realistic mechanisms with which the problems of unemployment and insecurity would be addressed. His focus is largely on the youth, the leaders of tomorrow.
Like Tinubu, who used his global-certified skills in profit and wealth maximisation and management to transform a super slum Lagos into Shangri-la, Shettima similarly rehabilitated Borno state when he was governor. The state was overwhelmed by insurgents but he never feared to rebuild and reform every facility they destroyed.
Even strategic attacks on his convoy didn’t stop him from traveling to local government areas to give them hope, reconstruct their houses, and sympathise with them.
Nigeria is suffering from massive unemployment, insecurity, and poor road network, among other developmental challenges. I am confident Shettima and Tinubu will rewrite Nigeria’s story, in the most brilliant way.
,Lawan Bukar Maigana
Maiduguri, Borno state
[email protected]
