Leaders must earn success through humility, foresight, says VP Shettima

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has shared important lessons on true leadership, stating that true leaders achieve success through humility and foresight, not through an insatiable pursuit of power.

Shettima made the observation while speaking highly of Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, whom he praised for his sterling leadership qualities and positive impact on the state’s development.

Speaking on Saturday during his representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the traditional marriage ceremony of Toluwatimi Esther Oyebanji and Ayodeji Kenny Akinyemi at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Vice President also wished the newlyweds a happy married life.

VP Shettima commended Governor Oyebanji’s ability to unite his predecessors, saying, “He was able to unite four past governors under the same canopy; that speaks volumes about his personality.”

Quoting the 16th President of the United States, Shettima said, “Abraham Lincoln said, ‘Most men can survive the extremes of adversity, but if you want to see a man’s true character, give him money and power.'”

He further noted, “I was fortunate to know Governor Oyebanji when he was Secretary to the State Government. He exuded humility, and I intuitively felt he would be the next Governor of Ekiti State. And the rest is history today.”

The Vice President emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships beyond political office, highlighting, “When you are in power, your friends know you, but when you are out of power, you know your friends.”

Praising Gov. Oyebanji’s inclusive leadership, he continued, “What you do speaks so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying. You don’t need anyone to tell us about his persona. Here, we have all his predecessors and their spouses. He was able to unite the four past governors under the same canopy; that speaks volumes about his personality.”

“I want to thank you for sustaining the relationship with your predecessors. That is what leadership is all about – the ability to accommodate and embrace each other. All of us here have a lot to learn from you. I believe you have a rendezvous with destiny, and you have more rivers to cross in the future. You have the ability to reach out,” Shettima added.

Speaking directly to the new couple, VP Shettima said, “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we wish you marital bliss. We pray this marriage will be blessed with children and, most especially, patience. On behalf of the President, I congratulate you.”

In addition, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, urged the couple to always remember the prayers and good wishes of everyone who attended the marriage event and to learn to forgive each other and pray together.

In his address, the chairman of the event, Chief Wole Olanipekan (SAN), who reflected on the distinguished personalities who attended the event, advised the couple, “Always remember the qualities and significance of the personalities who attended your wedding and learn lessons from them.”

“The presence of these personalities demonstrates three crucial elements: respect for family values, unity of purpose, and national cohesion,” he added.

Other dignitaries at the wedding included Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande; former Ekiti State Governors, Kayode Fayemi and Ayodele Fayose; former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, among many others.Earlier in the day, VP Shettima attended the wedding Fatiha of the sons of Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, Chairman of the Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kano.

The Vice President, who landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, was welcomed by the Deputy Governor of the state, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo; Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril; and former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alh. Nasir Yusuf Gawuna, among other dignitaries.

The couples, Abbas Abdullahi Abbas, with his bride, Arc. Khadija Attahire Buhari, and Muhammad Abdullahi Abbas with his bride, Zulaihat Nasir (Mimi), were joined in matrimony at the wedding ceremony officiated by Chief Imam, Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, at the Al-Furqan Jumma’at Mosque, Kano.

Vice President Shettima stood as Muhammad’s representative during the proceedings, while Deputy Senate President Jibril represented Abbas. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the newlyweds.