SHETTIMA SAYS LEADERS MUST TAKE TOUGH DECISIONS

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said effective leadership demands courage, decisive action, and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the interest of national development.

Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit in Abuja.

During his speech, the Vice President commended Rwandan President Paul Kagame for his leadership but noted that comparisons between Nigeria and smaller African countries should consider differences in population size and national complexity.

He cited countries such as Botswana, Seychelles, and Rwanda, arguing that their relatively small populations make governance less challenging compared to Nigeria, which he described as a large and diverse nation.

According to Shettima, Nigeria’s size and demographic diversity present unique governance realities that distinguish it from many other African countries.

The Vice President also called on Nigerians to revive the country’s agricultural heritage, describing agriculture as the foundation upon which the nation’s economy was built.

He said the sector remains vital for job creation, economic growth, and national prosperity, urging greater investment in agriculture to unlock its full potential.

Shettima further praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for his prompt response to a proposed $500 million investment in Nigeria’s oil palm industry.

He disclosed that representatives of a leading Malaysian oil palm company recently visited his office alongside their Nigerian partners to discuss plans to invest in the sector.

According to him, after contacting Governor Eno, the governor immediately welcomed the investors and approved the commencement of the project, which will begin with the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of oil palm in Akwa Ibom State.

Describing the governor’s swift action as an example of effective leadership, Shettima said true leaders must be prepared to make difficult decisions instead of seeking public approval.

He stressed that leadership is about responsibility and action, concluding that those who are unwilling to make tough decisions may not be suited for leadership roles.