Vice President Kashim Shettima has said true leadership is built on courage and the ability to make difficult decisions rather than seeking public approval.
Speaking on Wednesday during the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit in Abuja, Shettima stressed that national progress depends on leaders who are prepared to act decisively, even when those decisions are unpopular.
Nigeria should not be compared with smaller nations
During his keynote address, the Vice President acknowledged the achievements of countries such as Rwanda and praised President Paul Kagame’s leadership.
However, he argued that comparing Nigeria with smaller African nations without considering differences in population and scale does not present a fair picture.
Shettima noted that countries like Botswana, Seychelles and Rwanda have significantly smaller populations than Nigeria, adding that governing Africa’s most populous nation comes with unique economic and administrative challenges.
According to him, Nigeria’s size remains one of its greatest strengths despite the complexities it creates.
Agriculture remains key to economic growth
The Vice President also called on Nigerians to revive the country’s agricultural sector, describing it as the foundation on which the nation’s economy was originally built.
He said agriculture has historically provided employment and economic opportunities for millions of citizens and remains critical to Nigeria’s future development.
Shettima urged greater investment in the sector, saying it has the capacity to boost food production, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Shettima praises Akwa Ibom governor
Highlighting an example of responsive leadership, the Vice President commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for swiftly responding to a proposed investment in Nigeria’s oil palm industry.
According to Shettima, representatives of a leading Malaysian oil palm company recently expressed interest in investing about $500 million in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He said the project is expected to begin with the cultivation of 10,000 hectares of oil palm in Akwa Ibom State after the governor immediately welcomed the proposal.
‘Leadership is about responsibility’
Shettima concluded by saying leadership should be measured by action rather than popularity.
According to him, those entrusted with public office must be prepared to take responsibility and make hard choices that advance national development.
He added that leadership is not about pleasing everyone but about delivering results that benefit the country.