Leadership is Not Meant for Nice Men — Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that effective leadership requires courage and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame but cautioned against comparing Nigeria with smaller African nations, noting the unique challenges posed by Nigeria’s vast and diverse population.

“What is the population of Botswana? Not more than Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos. What is the population of Seychelles? Not more than two wards in Kano metropolis. Rwanda’s population is about half that of Lagos State. Numbers count. Take it or leave it, Nigeria is a great nation,” he said.

The Vice President urged Nigerians to rediscover the country’s agricultural heritage, stressing that agriculture once served as the backbone of the economy and remains vital for job creation and economic growth.

He also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his swift response to a proposed $500 million investment in oil palm production by Malaysian investors, describing the governor’s readiness to act as an example of decisive leadership.

“Leadership means walking the talk. Leadership is about taking tough decisions. And leadership is not meant for nice men. Nice men should be selling chocolates, ice cream,” Shettima added.

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