Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria has said that he is a firm believer in partnershipshanded rather than aids that are usually handed to Nigeria and other African countries.
Shettima said this while speaking at the Financial Times’ Global Risk Roundtable at the ongoing 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
According to the vice president, equal partnerships uphold dignity of nations.
“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,” Shettima said.
The VP expressed optimism about Africa’s prospects, noting the continent’s rich resources and strategic importance to global growth, saying, “My continent is the richest in the world, and the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. Nigeria will make or mar that transition. The youths of Africa are the drivers of change.”
Shettima also stated that Nigeria is well-positioned to lead Africa’s growth in education and agricultural innovations.
He said Nigeria has shown dedication in harnessing youths’ potential, investment in education and advancing smart agricultural policies which are necessary strategies that will go a long way in tackling global and domestic challenges.
The Nigerian vice president emphasised that African youths are pivotal to global transformation and that while crises abound, they also present opportunities for building stronger nations.
“The crisis has given us a unique opportunity to invest in people, especially in areas that will enable us to leapfrog our economies into global competitiveness,” Shettima said.
