Shettima’s steadfastness as anchor to Tinubu’s agenda, by Muhammed Adoke

Last week, I was drawn to near tears when I watched VP Shettima explaining how his purposeful quest for inclusive education among Fulanis in Borno State during his time as Governor, have now become subject to social media scrutiny, allegations and misrepresentations in recent times. Speaking on the matter, he made clear that his visit to the Fulani-speaking tribes in Borno state was to rather convince them into surrendering their wards for Western Education, than what has become misrepresented on various social Media platforms as a visit to and hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists and Bandits in their enclaves. Indeed, with such annotations, one would wonder the unimaginable damages which Political adversaries could do, using their readily available tools—the Social Media! Immediately, I thought to myself, does he really owe ney-sayers the luxury of such explanations?

For record purposes, as a concerned citizen and an admirer of proper representation, this writer chooses to draw the attentions of concerned Nigerians on the exemplary niche VP Shettima is carving for himself and Nigeria at large as a loyal Vice President with deep sense of true representation. These milestones, undoubtedly, must have unsettled the ‘other camp’, thus, prompting their sudden obnoxious wailings.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emerged as a figure of profound significance within the Tinubu administration, meticulously crafting a legacy defined by pragmatic governance, unshakeable loyalty, and a deep-seated commitment to national integration. His role transcends the conventional boundaries of the Vice Presidency, positioning him as a strategic partner, a steadying influence, and a tireless executor of the government’s ambitious Renewed Hope Agenda.

In recent weeks, the Vice President has assumed highly visible and pivotal role(s) representing Nigeria with diplomatic acumen on the international stage while simultaneously championing key domestic socio-political and economic initiatives. His engagements have been strategically focused on attracting foreign investment and reinforcing Nigeria’s global partnerships. At every international event(s) he represents President Tinubu, he eloquently articulate the administration’s economic reforms and engage with global leaders and investors to bolster confidence in the Nigerian economy. This diplomatic shuttles are crucial for securing the capital and partnerships needed to drive national development, effectively ensuring that Nigeria’s economic agenda remains on the global radar.

Concurrently, at home, Vice President Shettima has been the administration’s public face at critical internal events, underscoring the government’s commitment to stability and economic diversification. He has presided over significant agricultural and economic summits, launching initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and empowering local businesses. This division of labour allows President Tinubu to concentrate intensely on the pressing and complex security challenges facing the nation. By steadfastly managing these vital economic and other representative functions, Shettima is providing crucial balance to the administration, ensuring governance continues unimpeded and that both international engagement and domestic economic priorities receive the sustained focus necessary for national progress.

Instructively, VP Shettima’s leadership as Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) has been pivotal in harmonizing the economic priorities of the federal government with the diverse realities of the 36 states and the FCT. Under his guidance, the NEC has evolved into a crucial platform for building consensus on national economic policy, ensuring that the agenda for growth is both inclusive and pragmatic. His focus on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is particularly noteworthy, as he has personally championed initiatives like the Expanded National MSME Clinics across the states. The announcement of a ₦250,000 non-repayable grant for outstanding entrepreneurs, alongside the administration’s broader interventions such as the ₦75 billion Manufacturers Fund, underscores a tangible commitment to empowering the bedrock of the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, his advocacy for economic diversification is not merely rhetorical; it is evident in his active promotion of agribusiness, as seen in his commissioning of the Agricultural Data and Control Center in Katsina, and his persistent calls to leverage Nigeria’s demographic dividend, framing these sectors as imperatives for sustainable, job-creating growth. And most recently, on Saturday 7th December 2025, VP Shettima launched a N1 billion family-based business grant initiative in the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, describing the programme as a practical model for turning democratic promises into real economic empowerment at the grassroots.

Let it be known that a wave of cautious optimism is emerging in Nigeria, driven by a notable economic recovery marked by a stronger Naira and falling food prices. The prices of food and staples have dropped dramatically from their all time highest early this year, to about 45% low as at Monday, December 8th, 2025. This turnaround stems directly from targeted government and Central Bank policies. The Naira’s appreciation is credited to the Central Bank’s actions to clear foreign exchange backlogs, curb currency speculation, and attract increased foreign investment and remittances, which have collectively boosted dollar supply and stabilized the currency.

Perhaps the most resonant aspect of Vice President Shettima’s public service is his absolute and transparent loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This fidelity, however, is not one of passive acquiescence but of active and strategic reinforcement. He has consistently served as a powerful and articulate defender of the administration’s policies, even those requiring difficult short-term sacrifices from the citizenry, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy. By masterfully framing these decisions within a broader narrative of long-term national gain, he has acted as a crucial amplifier for the President’s vision, projecting an image of a unified and cohesive government. This steadfastness insulates the administration from potential fractures and channels collective energy towards the arduous task of national development. President Tinubu’s own acknowledgment of Shettima as a “brother, co-traveller, and partner in nation-building” whose dedication justifies his selection, is a powerful testament to the strength and authenticity of this partnership.

This profound loyalty is intrinsically linked to a genuine and deeply internalized belief in the Renewed Hope Agenda. Vice President Shettima functions as one of the philosophy’s most credible interpreters and champions, consistently articulating its principles as a comprehensive social contract aimed at restoring national confidence. He seamlessly ties every intervention, from job creation and security to agricultural innovation and regional development, back to the overarching tapestry of this agenda. His vision extends beyond policy to encompass the very fabric of the nation, as evidenced by his detribalized approach to governance. The composition of his own office staff, which draws talent from across all geo-political zones, including a Chief Security Officer from the South-East, stands as a powerful symbol of his commitment to national integration. This conscious effort to build a team that reflects Nigeria’s diversity underscores a statesmanship that prioritizes merit and unity over parochial interests, truly embodying the spirit of one Nigeria.

In conclusion, Vice President Kashim Shettima has, through a quiet yet undeniably effective style of leadership, proven to be an indispensable asset to the present government. His achievements are not merely a catalogue of discrete events but are reflected in the strengthened coherence of the executive branch and the vigorous, multi-pronged pursuit of its national objectives. As a loyal lieutenant, an economic pragmatist, and a detribalized patriot, he provides the balance, depth, and direction necessary to navigate the country’s complex challenges. His continued dedication serves as a steadying force, reinforcing the administration’s capacity to deliver on its promise of steering Nigeria toward a path of sustainable prosperity and renewed hope. To this end, if you were one of VP Shettima’s adversaries, wouldn’t you be pushed by envy to dig up old videos of him and fabricate imaginary negative interpretations to them as well? May Nigeria succeed!