Nigeria stands as a beacon of hope for the entire black race, declared Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasizing the country’s potential to emerge as a powerhouse that will propel the collective greatness of Africa. Addressing the graduation ceremony of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 16 at the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, Vice President Shettima underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in reshaping the global landscape.
In his address, Vice President Shettima likened Nigeria to a sleeping giant, echoing the sentiments of Napoleon Bonaparte’s famous quote about China. He asserted, “Nigeria is a sleeping giant, and it is high time the greatest black nation on earth should wake up from its slumber.” With one in every four black men being Nigerian, the Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s significance as the vanguard of the black man’s hope, emphasizing its potential to influence the trajectory of global growth, thus underlining Nigeria’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s future.
Emphasizing the need for unwavering dedication and commitment, Vice President Shettima envisioned Nigeria harnessing its burgeoning population to yield demographic dividends. He outlined, “Persistence, prayers, perseverance, and commitment are the keys to success. By 2050, it is projected that Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth with a population of 440 million. We can turn this anticipated demographic bulge into demographic dividends once we believe in the Nigeria project and put in our best to reposition our nation.”
Additionally, Vice President Shettima called for unified support towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the President’s vision and courage. He rallied citizens to stand behind the President, highlighting the transformative potential of concerted efforts to reposition the nation.
In addressing the prevalent issue of insecurity, the Vice President stressed the imperative for improved governance and job creation to mitigate the root causes of unrest. He articulated, “We have to improve the quality of governance. Let’s create jobs and give hope to the hopeless, and once we create jobs, all this madness of insecurity will disappear because beneath the mayhem of Boko Haram, banditry, and kidnapping lies the real cause, which is extreme poverty and destitution.”
The graduation ceremony also received accolades and commitments from Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, who urged peaceful co-existence and development in Plateau State. The event, attended by personalities such as the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, witnessed the conferment of the prestigious title of fellow of the security institute (Fsi) upon the graduating participants, embodying their commitment to becoming stewards of security.
As the graduation ceremony culminated, Vice President Shettima unveiled two books and a journal of the institute, affirming the enduring legacy of knowledge dissemination and intellectual enrichment. The event epitomized the unwavering dedication of Nigeria towards fostering inter-agency synergy, international cooperation, and the grooming of resolute security managers, poised to steer the country and beyond towards a secure and prosperous future.
