Shettima Urges Nigerians to Prioritize Constructive Action Over Protest

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday urged Nigerians to prioritize constructive action over protest, amidst the country’s economic challenges. He made this appeal during a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he announced the Federal Government’s participation in the Grand Challenges Nigeria Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity.

“This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy,” Shettima said.

He acknowledged the hardship faced by Nigerians due to the government’s economic reforms, saying, “We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.”

Shettima emphasized the need for diplomacy, engagement, and patience, saying, “I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project, but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process, but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”

The Vice President also highlighted the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative and called on the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to push the boundaries of innovation and deepen their collaboration with the government and other stakeholders.

“The true challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these advancements into our existing low-resource settings,” Shettima said, urging the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to “push the boundaries of innovation and deepen your collaboration with the government and other stakeholders.”