During the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa, I had the privilege of accompanying Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of Nigeria, on an unexpected literary adventure. What was supposed to be an evening of rest turned into a captivating exploration of literature and knowledge. As we made our way through the corridors of a bookstore in Sandton, Johannesburg, I witnessed the senator’s insatiable thirst for books and his profound intellectual curiosity.
Senator Shettima’s interests spanned a wide range of subjects, from economics and philosophy to politics. His methodical traversal through the bookstore’s pages and volumes reflected his meticulous approach to acquiring knowledge. At one point, he recommended Mariana Mazzucato’s enlightening book, “The Value of Everything,” and insisted that I read it. According to him, the book offers a deep understanding of capitalism and its impact on society.
As we explored different sections of the bookstore, the Senator shared his philosophy on acquiring books in the cities he visits. He believed that the most accurate portrayal of a people or culture can be found in the books purchased from their communities, as they offer the most credible reflections of their realities and experiences. This led to a discussion about the misrepresentations of ideas, people, or culture by foreign authors and detached curators.
Throughout our book-hunting adventure, Senator Shettima engaged with passersby and shoppers who recognized him. He graciously posed for photographs and even struck up light conversations. His warm smile and approachable demeanor made him easily accessible to those around him. In one instance, he connected with two South African women who were intrigued by his presence. The conversation shifted from politics to the phonetics of their ethnicity, Xhosa, showcasing the senator’s genuine interest in African cultures.
What impressed me the most was Senator Shettima’s ability to read and retain vast volumes of information. I had personally witnessed his remarkable feat of devouring a substantial book within a day and accurately critiquing its contents. His reputation for possessing a quote for every occasion stemmed from his exceptional memory, a result of his insatiable reading habit.
Contrary to the portrayal by certain media outlets, the Senator’s sharp sense of humor added to his already charismatic persona. He was easy to engage with, whether in intellectual discussions or casual conversations. To me, he remains the most well-read politician I have encountered.
Gimba Kakanda is the Lead Consultant on Public Policy and Politics at The Cambridge Collective, and writes from Johannesburg, South Africa.
