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Tag: Kashim Shettima

  • Shettima Visits NIPSS After Deadly Gunmen Attack in Plateau

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday visited the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, days after gunmen attacked the institution and killed three security personnel.

    The visit comes as the Federal Government moves to reassure the institute, its staff and surrounding communities of its commitment to improving security and maintaining stability in the country.

    Shettima Assesses Situation at NIPSS

    Shettima arrived at the institute for an on-the-spot assessment of its operations, facilities and ongoing strategic programmes following the attack.

    The Vice President was accompanied by Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and other senior government officials.

    He was received by the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, alongside members of the institute’s management team.

    According to officials, the visit was aimed at demonstrating the Federal Government’s support for the institution and reinforcing efforts to ensure peace and security in the area.

    Attack Claimed Three Security Personnel

    Gunmen attacked the institute in the early hours of Tuesday, triggering concerns over security at one of Nigeria’s foremost policy and leadership training institutions.

    The attack was initially confirmed by the Head of Public Affairs Department at NIPSS, Dr Osime Samuel, who stated that security personnel and relevant agencies quickly brought the situation under control.

    While assuring the public that institute activities continued as scheduled, authorities maintained that there was no threat to participants, staff, residents or facilities after the incident.

    However, the Plateau State Police Command later confirmed that three security personnel lost their lives during the attack.

    In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said investigations had commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible.

    Arrests Made as Investigation Continues

    Speaking on Thursday, NIPSS Director-General Professor Omotayo disclosed that some suspects had already been arrested in connection with the attack.

    He said security agencies were continuing investigations and vowed that all individuals involved would be brought to justice.

    The Federal Government has yet to release further details on the attack, but officials say efforts are ongoing to strengthen security around the institute and other critical national facilities.

  • Vice President Shettima Hails Lagos as Nigeria’s Economic Powerhouse, Sparks Debate

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Lagos State as the economic backbone of Nigeria and a major driver of Africa’s commercial growth, praising its role in shaping leading business fortunes across the continent.

    Shettima made the remarks on Sunday during the opening of the Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa.”

    Lagos as Africa’s Economic Engine

    Speaking at the summit, Shettima described Lagos as the “live wire” of Africa’s economy, noting that the state continues to serve as a hub for innovation, investment and enterprise.

    He said Lagos has played a central role in the rise of some of Africa’s most prominent business figures, highlighting its importance in Nigeria’s economic structure.

    “It was Lagos that gave Africa its richest man, not Kano. Aliko Dangote is a Lagos man,” he said.

    He also referenced BUA Group Chairman Abdulsamad Rabiu, saying Lagos had similarly played a key role in the expansion of his business empire.

    Debate Over Economic Narratives

    Shettima’s comments have since triggered debate online, with supporters praising Lagos as a thriving commercial hub that attracts investment and talent from across the country.

    Critics, however, argued that the remarks downplayed the origins and contributions of business leaders from other regions, insisting that their success stories are rooted in diverse backgrounds beyond Lagos.

    Dangote and Rabiu’s Business Roots

    Aliko Dangote, originally from Kano State, built his early trading ventures through commodity markets before expanding significantly via Lagos’ ports and industrial ecosystem.

    Similarly, Abdulsamad Rabiu, also from Kano, grew BUA Group into a major conglomerate spanning cement, sugar, and manufacturing, with Lagos serving as a central base for operations and expansion.

    Summit Focus

    The Invest Lagos 3.0 Summit brought together policymakers, investors and business leaders to explore opportunities in Africa’s largest city economy.

    Organisers said the event aims to promote investment, innovation and stronger public-private partnerships to support economic growth.

    The Vice President also linked Lagos’ performance to broader national goals, including Nigeria’s push toward a $1 trillion economy target under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

     

  • Shettima Reveals Alleged Plot to Turn Tinubu Against Him, Shares Details of Early Presidency Tensions

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that some individuals allegedly attempted to create distrust between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu just three months into their administration in 2023.

    He made the disclosure at the public presentation of “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, the autobiography of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, where he reflected on early political tensions within the presidency.

    Alleged plot within early months of government

    Shettima said the individuals, whom he did not name but claimed were from Borno State, allegedly informed President Tinubu that he was planning to assassinate him and take over power.

    He explained that the President personally confronted him after receiving the claims but chose not to believe the allegations after reviewing the situation.

    “Three months into our swearing in, some people told Tinubu I was planning to kill him to take over power,” Shettima said.

    He added that Tinubu called him over the issue and expressed concerns raised by the unnamed individuals.

    Tinubu’s reaction and trust stance

    According to Shettima, the President dismissed the allegations after assessing the claims and finding inconsistencies in the story presented to him.

    He noted that Tinubu referenced their relationship before the election, stressing that trust played a key role in his decision to ignore the reports.

    “Shettima’s clothes” remark also referenced

    Shettima also recounted a separate incident in which the same individuals allegedly tried to discourage Tinubu from associating closely with him.

    He said they told the President to stop wearing clothing associated with him, claiming it carried sinister intentions, an allegation Tinubu also reportedly dismissed.

    “The President said their story did not add up,” Shettima said, adding that Tinubu later wore the outfit again, describing the President as someone who does not believe in superstition.

    Call for unity among Nigerians

    The Vice-President used the platform to urge Nigerians to embrace unity and avoid actions that deepen political or ethnic divisions.

    He emphasised the need for citizens to act as one community rather than allowing misinformation and distrust to shape national relationships.

    The event, which also had former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, and other top political and military figures in attendance, was held in honour of General Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria’s history.