Being in charge isn't suited for gentlemen, says Shettima

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has said effective leadership requires courage and decisive action, stressing that leaders must be willing to take difficult decisions in the interest of national development.

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

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During his address, the Vice President praised Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, while highlighting the unique challenges associated with governing a country with Nigeria’s large and diverse population.

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“People celebrate Rwanda. I adore Paul Kagame. People talk about Seychelles. Yes, the economy has turned the corner,” he said.

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However, Shettima argued that comparisons between Nigeria and smaller African countries should take population size into account.

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“What is the population of Botswana? Not more than Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos. What is the population of Seychelles? Not more than two wards in Kano metropolis.

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“What is the population of Rwanda? The population of Rwanda is about half the population of Lagos State. So numbers count. Take it or leave it, Nigeria is a great nation,” he said.

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The Vice President also urged Nigerians to rediscover the country’s agricultural heritage, noting that agriculture once served as the backbone of the nation’s economy and remains a critical source of jobs and economic opportunities.

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“We began as an agrarian economy and the foundation of this nation was laid upon it.

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“Let us remember that our agricultural heritage has provided hope to the hopeless. It has provided jobs for a mass of humanity,” he said.

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Shettima further commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for his swift response to a proposed investment in oil palm production.

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According to him, representatives of one of Malaysia’s leading oil palm producers recently visited his office alongside their Nigerian partners to discuss plans to invest $`500 million in Nigeria’s oil palm sector.

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“They came to my office with their Nigerian counterpart. I called the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno. He picked the phone and these are people who are willing to invest $500 million in oil palm.

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“They will start with 10,000 hectares in Akwa Ibom. He said, ‘Let them come and start work at once.’ This is leadership,” he said.

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Shettima added that leadership is about taking responsibility and making difficult decisions rather than seeking popularity.

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“Leadership means walking the talk. Leadership is about taking tough decisions.

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“And leadership is not meant for nice men. Nice men should be selling chocolates, ice cream,” he said.

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Watch the video below:

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𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧 — 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚

Credit: FB | Channels Television

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July 16, 2026

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