# Tags

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA MOURNS ENUGU TANKER EXPLOSION VICTIMS, CALLS FOR END TO TANKER ACCIDENTS

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima has commiserated with the people and government of Enugu over the fuel tanker fire that claimed lives following an accident in the state. The Vice President described the incident as a sad reminder of the need to put an end to avoidable tanker accidents and explosions. The fuel tanker had veered off course and burst into flames along the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Saturday. In a condolence message to families of those who lost their lives and the injured, Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned and disturbed by the incident and other tanker explosions in recent times. “It was with a heart full of sadness that I received news of the fuel tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Ugwu Onyeama local government area of Enugu State. I am deeply saddened that another tanker accident would lead to the loss of lives of Nigerians, leaving others injured in the gory incident,” Shettima said. Shettima reassured Nigerians that the government will stop at nothing to put an end to tanker accidents on the roads, following President Tinubu’s directive. He promised that the government will engage relevant agencies, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), to urgently forestall further tanker accidents and explosions across the country. “I express my profound condolences to the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the families that lost their loved ones and those that are undergoing treatment for various degrees of injuries in the hospitals,” Shettima added. “While my thoughts and prayers are with you, I pray Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the departed and quick return to health for the injured.”

VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA RETURNS TO NIGERIA AFTER SUCCESSFUL WEF 2025 ENGAGEMENTS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after his eventful engagements at the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that the Vice President represented Nigeria at the annual global economic summit, presenting the nation’s investment opportunities to a global audience. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima advocated African economic integration and held strategic meetings with world leaders and international organizations. During his time in Davos, VP Shettima participated in forums that drew attention to the importance of driving investment into Africa’s frontier markets. At a forum titled, “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets,” the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to attract capital for sustainable growth. Stanley Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima assured of Nigeria’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming the nation’s resolve to leverage digital trade as a tool for economic transformation. He projected Africa’s potential to achieve a $29 trillion economy by 2050. In bilateral meetings with global leaders, including the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, and President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, VP Shettima discussed strengthening intra-African relations and fostering partnerships to promote trade and development. Nkwocha stated that VP Shettima engaged in talks with the Director-General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President of the World Economic Forum, Børge Brende, on collaborative efforts to address Africa’s challenges. Speaking on Nigeria’s reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, VP Shettima highlighted ongoing measures, noting that the country is now on a path to sustained economic growth.

NIGERIA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM TO BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Nigerian government has called for collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to foster economic development and growth in the country and on the African continent. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call during a bilateral meeting with President of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mr. Børge Brende, on the sidelines of the ongoing annual meeting of WEF in Davos, Switzerland. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, stated that VP Shettima sought partnerships with the global body on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) and the recharging of Lake Chad. On the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, VP Shettima said Nigeria will leverage the WEF platform to develop the gas project, addressing geopolitical challenges in Europe and the growing demand for energy due to artificial intelligence, data mining, and storage. “We seek your collaboration in fundamental areas. One is on the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) which will connect Nigeria to Morocco and other African countries,” VP Shettima said. Nkwocha noted that VP Shettima also emphasized the importance of recharging Lake Chad, which will address the food security crisis, generate clean energy, and combat terrorism. “There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the Sahelian region. The challenges of Boko Haram and ISWAP might not be disconnected from the realities of existential threats we are facing,” VP Shettima stated. VP Shettima also informed the WEF President about the ongoing reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the Nigerian President has returned Nigeria to the path of sustained economic growth. “Most importantly, we are talking about the present. My leader and my boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is someone who also grew up in the finance ecosystem… Our economy has turned the corner, we have crossed the Rubicon and we’re now on the path to sustained economic growth,” he stated. Nkwocha added that VP Shettima invited the WEF President to Nigeria to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also intimating him of Nigeria’s readiness to host the WEF Africa. VP Shettima underscored the importance of fostering collaboration with WEF, noting that Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and the most populous nation, with 250 million people. “And by 2050, we will be the third most populous nation on earth, surpassing the United States. By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth,” he added.

AT 2025 WEF, VP SHETTIMA MARKETS NIGERIA, AFRICA AS INVESTMENT DESTINATION

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on serious investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s growing investment climate and tap into the limitless opportunities in the country and the African continent. Speaking at the ongoing annual meeting of the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said VP Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to invade the global business platform with modernization and robust investments. President Tinubu as an Accountant Nkwocha stated that VP Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a seasoned chartered accountant, is working to make Nigeria an investment destination in Africa. “For 20 years, I have been in the Nigerian banking industry. I was a general manager in Nigeria’s largest bank, Zenith Bank. I grew up in that ecosystem. The President himself is a seasoned chartered accountant. So, I believe that Nigeria is ready for business, Nigeria is ready to embrace the path of modernization with very robust investment,” Shettima declared. Shettima pointed out that Nigeria is looking up to the African Continental Free Trade Area to address its challenges, citing the coastal highway from Calabar to Lagos as the largest single investment in Africa. He also mentioned the West African gas pipeline and partnerships with 14 African countries to invest in gas infrastructure down to Morocco. Shettima insisted that Africa is not all about tales of doom and gloom, maintaining that the continent has woken up from its slumber. “So, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, the stories you hear about Africa are not that of doom and gloom. From DRC to Somalia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire, Africa is waking up from its slumber,” he said. Shettima also drew on the words of late Nigerian head of state, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, saying Africa has come of age and can no longer be treated like an adolescent. In a show of African leadership collaboration, Shettima joined South African President Cyril Ramaphosa as special guest of honor at a high-level briefing. He also held a bilateral meeting with the President of Botswana, Duma Boko, to discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, and strengthening diplomatic ties. Nkwocha stated that Shettima commended the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her as one of Africa’s finest.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA DEPARTS FOR DAVOS TO ATTEND WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja to represent Nigeria at the 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. He will join world leaders, top business executives, and representatives of development partners to discuss the state of the world economy and explore ways to improve its conditions. In a statement, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President’s engagements in Davos will include bilateral meetings with other leaders, as well as participation in workshops and forums. Nkwocha noted that the Vice President will attend a workshop entitled “Roadmap to Co-create Investment Opportunities for Africa’s Frontier Markets” organized by the African Development Bank in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. The workshop aims to boost the flow of capital into Africa’s frontier markets and scale solutions that build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient continent. The Vice President will also attend a dinner for heads of state, government, and international organizations, as well as Annual Meeting 2025 Crystal Awardees, the International Business Council, and Strategic Partners. Nkwocha stated that Senator Shettima will co-chair a forum on “Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa” at the Pischa Congress Centre. The session will provide a dynamic platform for forward-thinking dialogue on digital trade and the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the implementation of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Furthermore, Nkwocha said the Vice President will attend, as a panelist, a Stakeholder Dialogue entitled “Global Risks 2025”. The Global Risks Report highlights an increasingly volatile global landscape, marked by accelerating geopolitical, technological, and environmental challenges. Nkwocha added that the Vice President will be accompanied by top government functionaries, including Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Aisha Rimi. Stanley Nkwocha concluded that the Vice President will return to Abuja at the end of his engagements in Davos.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA MOURNS DAMBOA FALLEN SOLDIERS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the soldiers who lost their lives repelling the terrorist attack in Damboa, Borno State, as eternal heroes whose sacrifices will never be in vain. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, revealed in a statement that Vice President Shettima also reaffirmed his deep sorrow and firm solidarity with the families of the heroic soldiers. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Vice President Shettima noted that the military recorded a decisive victory in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts but regretted that the price of freedom is eternally steep. “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I received news of our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation in Damboa. These six valiant soldiers demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger by protecting their fellow citizens,” Vice President Shettima said. Nkwocha stated that the attack, which took place in Sabon Gari, involved terrorists attempting to ambush troops at a Forward Operating Base. The soldiers’ decisive response, bolstered by reinforcements and air support from Operation HADIN KAI, not only neutralised 34 terrorists but also led to the troops recovering weapons and ammunition and largely weakening the attackers’ capabilities. Vice President Shettima lauded the soldiers’ heroism, saying, “Their sacrifices remind us of the extraordinary price of peace and security. These heroes died ensuring that their fellow Nigerians can live in safety, free from the scourge of insecurity that has impacted our country.” Nkwocha added that Vice President Shettima reassured the grieving families that their beloved children did not die in vain, noting that “their sacrifices will be forever remembered in our nation’s history, and their memory will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians.” Vice President Shettima also commended the armed forces, saying, “To our armed forces, your unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens, even at the cost of your own lives, fills us with profound gratitude and respect. We will continue to support you and provide all necessary resources to ensure you can carry out your duties effectively.” Nkwocha stated that the Vice President further urged Nigerians to honour the fallen heroes by standing firm in the collective pursuit of peace and security. “May Allah grant our fallen heroes Aljannah Firdaus, comfort their families, and give us all the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” VP Shettima prayed.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA SAYS ONGOING REFORMS WILL CREATE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that the ongoing reforms initiated by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are aimed at creating employment opportunities for the youth population and providing greater opportunities in various sectors of the economy. In a Statement made available to CTN, Senior Special Assistant to The Vice President on Media & Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, said the Vice President made this statement during the Combined Graduation Ceremony of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital. The Vice President emphasized the importance of skills acquisition among young Nigerians, saying the nation can no longer afford to have a growing population of idle, unemployed, and unemployable youths. Nkwocha noted that the Vice President stated, “The danger of paying lip service to technical and vocational skills acquisition is one none of us is prepared to experience… His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has championed economic reforms beyond the usual cosmetic fixes to lay the groundwork for greater opportunities ahead”. VP Shettima also commended the foresight of Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, in establishing the vocational institute, which has graduated over 9,000 students in just three years. Nkwocha in the statement pointed out that the Vice President applauded the governor’s aspiration to turn the state into a hub of jobs and opportunities. The Vice President also flagged off the distribution of relief materials to flood victims, tractors, and paddy rice to farmers in the state, demonstrating his commitment to supporting the people of Nasarawa State. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari; Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr Emmanuel Akabe; and the Emir of Lafia, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (rtd). As Nkwocha noted, the Vice President’s visit to Nasarawa State was a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to supporting state-led initiatives in economic development and youth empowerment.

VICE PRESIDENT SHETTIMA COMMISERATES WITH VICTIMS OF MILITARY AIR STRIKE IN SOKOTO, PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO GOV NAMADI IN JIGAWA

Vice President Kashim Shettima has extended his condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State over the loss of lives in the coordinated joint operation against the Lakurawa terrorist groups in Silame Local Government Area, as stated by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha. About 10 villagers lost their lives on December 25, 2024, when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group, leaving many others injured. Senator Shettima expressed regret over the incident, soliciting more support for the troops. He noted that with useful information, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers. According to Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima assured the people of the state of federal government’s support, vowing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not rest until terror groups and other criminal elements are completely wiped out of the country. Shettima said, “I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives… I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times.” Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima led a delegation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a condolence visit to the government and people of Jigawa State on the passing of the mother and son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi. As reported by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima was accompanied on the visit by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and other top government functionaries. During the condolence visit, the VP noted that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck.” He said, “We are here on a very sad note to condole with you over the loss of the matriarch of your family and pillar of support for you and followed sadly by that of your beloved son. May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and Aljannah Firdaus.”