Kashim Shettima’s mind-blowing, outstanding outing at the recently concluded UNGA78 in New York is still fresh and can never escape our minds easily.
As the first vice president of Nigeria to attend the UN General Assembly, Kashim Shettima made history. Everything happened in September 2023 during the 78th United Nations General Assembly. It was a watershed moment when Vice President Shettima was appointed to represent Nigeria at the UNGA by President Bola Tinubu. This was the first time a vice president, not the president, had held this office. This action ensured Nigeria’s worldwide presence while President Tinubu focused on domestic problems.
We have always believed that Shettima can hold his own as a Nigerian representative on the international stage. The Boko Haram insurgency devastated Borno State during Shettima’s two terms as governor (2011–2019), and he was lauded for his resiliency in the face of adversity. His crisis management abilities were on display in his work to rebuild Borno and provide leadership during the crisis; these abilities will serve him well in international discussions about anti-terrorism measures, humanitarian aid, and rebuilding efforts after wars.
Concerning displaced people in particular, Shettima has been an outspoken advocate for humanitarian causes. In his role as an advocate for refugees and displaced people on a global scale, he has been instrumental in mobilising resources and collaborating with humanitarian organisations like the UN and the World Food Programme.
Shettima has shown an excellent understanding of economic issues, thanks to his experience in banking, especially as Nigeria faces its economic problems. With his help, Nigeria has been able to receive financing and launch development projects from international financial institutions including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Shettima has represented Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly and several African Union summits as vice president, and he has participated in numerous high-level diplomatic discussions. Demonstrating his ability to function effectively on the world arena, he has articulately defended Nigeria’s interests, especially on matters of security, economic development, and climate change.
During his attendance of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York, Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria made a significant influence. Shettima, the head of the Nigerian delegation, signalled a new era of forceful leadership on the international scene with his calm diplomatic engagement, persuasive speeches, and strategic orientation of Nigeria’s interests catching global attention.
Trade, security, energy, and development partnerships were among the topics covered in Shettima’s bilateral discussions with foreign leaders. Diplomatic ties and potential new areas of cooperation were the foci of these talks.
He took part in talks centred on regional integration, investment prospects in Nigeria, and economic development. Using the country’s current economic reforms and its dedication to creating a more favourable climate for businesses, he marketed Nigeria as an attractive investment location.
During his time in the US, Shettima visited with Nigerians to share the administration’s policies, rally support, and address any issues they may have. Strengthening ties with the diaspora and promoting their contributions to national development were the goals of this engagement.
Abubakar M Kareto, a Public Analyst, holds a keen interest in Nigeria and Africa-centric matters. Reach him at amkareto@gmail.com
