Independence Lecture: Shettima seeks citizens’ collaboration with FG

…Assures sacrifices of Nigerians won’t be in vain

By Egena Sunday Ode

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said much as President Bola Tinubu’s administration is striving hard to fulfill its campaign promises, the active collaboration of Nigerians with the Federal Government would be required in order to accelerate that dream.
He also assured Nigerians that their sacrifices for a thriving nation will not be in vain as the Tinubu-led administration has set administrative models in its Renewed Hope Agenda that will see to developments across sectors, using available resources to achieve national prosperity.
Vice President Shettima made the assertion on Thursday while speaking at the 63rd Independence Day Anniversary Public Lecture, held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, themed “ActualiZing the Vision of Renewed Hope for Socioeconomic Development through Effective Leadership”.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a country where the economic independence of each citizen is guaranteed, and where none of them has to depend on unspecified handouts to earn a living.
“Today, we gather to honour Nigeria’s journey to redefine its destiny. Today, we stand on the precipice of history to reflect upon a nation that has defied the predictions of doomsayers, a nation that has become the metaphor of resilience.
“Over the past 63 years, we have not only survived but thrived because of our collective resolve, our commitment to progress, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds us together from Aba, down through Ogbomosho to Zaria, despite the conspiracies of minor vested interests,” the Vice President said.
According to him, while this anniversary offers Nigeria another opportunity to acknowledge the cross-regional bonds that have kept the country standing as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, “we are here to remind ourselves that the future we promised Nigerians isn’t an empty performance for electoral favours.”
The Vice President noted that the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of a socio-economic challenge, but by the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders, and their commitment to implementing them.
He said: “We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty. We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security, and optimize the business environment for our enterprises.
“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.”