Image of the Vice president of Nigeria Kashim Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy, describing the President as a leader with the political courage to take bold decisions for national growth.

Shettima spoke on Wednesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), led by its president, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju. He highlighted Tinubu’s recent state visit to Brazil, during which five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed in aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology, and agriculture, as evidence of deliberate efforts to broaden the country’s economic base.

“In President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you have an ally, a friend who grew up in the same ecosystem as you, who speaks your language of business and commerce, who understands the economic terrain, and most importantly, who has the political courage,” Shettima said.

A statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, quoted Shettima as stressing that Nigeria, with its youthful population and abundant intellectual resources, is uniquely positioned to convert its demographic advantage into global dividends. He urged the NES to deepen its collaboration with government in shaping policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

NES President Adenikinju described Tinubu’s economic reforms as bold and far-reaching, pledging the society’s support for the administration’s policy direction. He also announced that Shettima would be honoured with the society’s highest award, Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society (FNES), during its national conference on September 9 in Abuja. The delegation also included former NES President Prof. Sarah Anyanwu and other council members.

In a separate engagement at the State House, the Vice President hosted a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), led by its President, Mobolaji Adealo Adeniyi. During the visit, Shettima disclosed that the Federal Government was considering the creation of a presidential task team to conceptualise and implement strategies for promoting good architecture across the country.

The institute named the vice president as Nigeria’s “Champion of Good Architecture” in recognition of his efforts to elevate design as a national priority. Responding, Shettima praised the role of architects in nation-building and assured the NIA of the government’s full support.

“We have more than 10,000 architects in this country with the experience and exposure to add value. Together, we can make this country a great nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” he said.

NIA President Adeniyi emphasised that architecture is central to achieving sustainable development, stressing its role in promoting cultural identity, societal progress, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She also outlined challenges facing the sector, including poor compliance with design standards, reliance on imported materials, and inadequate local expertise in advanced construction.

The NIA invited Shettima to its 65th Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 26, where he will be conferred with an Honorary Fellowship of the institute.