Top Story

VP Shettima in Davos: ‘I’d Rather Embrace Poverty with Dignity than Seek Foreign Aid

739

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said there is the need for Africa to look inward for solutions to its challenges, rather than relying heavily on foreign assistance.

“I don’t believe in aid; I believe in partnership. I’d rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with people, nations, and companies on a pedestal of equality, not in a master-servant relationship. I didn’t come with a begging bowl,” he said.

Shettima spoke at the Financial Times Global Risk Roundtable at the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The vice president acknowledged the impact of global crises, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan, on supply chains, humanitarian challenges, and peace.

He called for multilateral collaboration, stressing that the interconnected nature of global challenges requires collective solutions.

“There is an incestuous relationship between economy and ecology in the African continent. But hope springs eternal in the hearts of men. As members of the same human family, we can find solutions to our challenges,” Shettima added.

He, however, expressed optimism about the country’s potential to lead Africa’s growth through investments in education, innovation in agriculture, and empowerment of its youth.

Shettima noted the importance of harnessing the potential of African youths, who he described as the drivers of global change.

“The word for crisis in Chinese is ‘Wei Ji’. Wei stands for danger, while Ji stands for opportunity.

“Yes, we have challenges, but those challenges are pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer our society and build back better,” Shettima said.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to embracing innovation and empowerment, particularly through education, gender-focused initiatives, and smart agriculture, to propel its economy into the fourth post-industrial revolution.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Angolan President João Lourenço Takes Helm as African Union Chairperson

Angolan President João Lourenço has been elected as the new chairperson of...

Anambra accident: Cement-laden truck crashes into building, leaving five dead, others injured

A tragic accident occurred at the Area Command Bus Stop in Nnewi,...

Just in: Afenifere leader, 96-year-old Ayo Adebanjo exits

Pa Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has died...

FG Launches ‘Power Rangers’ to Protect Power Installations

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has announced the inauguration of a...

Breaking: National Assembly passes 54.9trn 2025 budget

The National Assembly has approved a record-breaking N54.9 trillion federal government’s budget...

Nigeria Partners Google to Harness AI for Digital Economic Growth

Nigeria is exploring a strategic partnership with Google to advance artificial intelligence...

NNPCL Chief, Kyari, Unveils Strategic Priorities for Africa’s Sustainable Energy Development

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Five months after cabinet reshuffle: Tinubu orders ministers to render account of stewardship

President Bola Tinubu has directed his ministers to provide an immediate account...

Just in: CBN Introduces New ATM Transaction Fees Effective March 1

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction...

UCH power outage: Minister brokers deal with IBEDC, to restore electricity in 48 hours

Following the Minister of Power, Dr. Adebayo Adelabu’s intervention, the Ibadan Electricity...

VP Shettima Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Bridging Financial Gaps, Achieving $1trn Economy

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to economic...

Just in: Supreme Court reserves judgments in 4 Rivers political dispute cases

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgments in four separate cases related...

Edo gov. poll tribunal: Gov. Okpebholo closes defence, calls lone witness

Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo on Monday in Abuja opened and closed his...

NAFDAC cracks down on counterfeit medicines, seizes fake drugs in Anambra market

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched...

Just in: Alleged terrorism: Justice Nyako adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s trial indefinitely

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has adjourned the...

N495m debt: Months-long power cut brings UCH Ibadan to grinding halt

The premier world-class University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, is on...

Another Niger State Tanker Explosion: Latest Tragedy Fuels Push for Enhanced Safety Protocols

A catastrophic gas explosion rocked Sabon Wuse in Tafa Local Government Area...

Nigeria introduces hassle-free, contactless passport renewal system for European-based citizens

After its successful implementation in Canada, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Olubunmi...

6-3-3-4 not scrapped, only proposing migration to 12-year compulsory education, Minister clarifies

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, has clarified media reports that the federal...

FG announces reforms, plans to replaces JSS, SSS with 12-year basic education model

After 42 years of its introduction into the education system, the Federal...