Unemployment on the Run as Shettima Announces $220m Plan to Empower Nigerian Youths.

The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $220 million in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians through the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to equip graduates with hands-on work experience, mentorship, and professional training.

Shettima said the new phase of the NJFP seeks to bridge the gap between learning and earning for thousands of qualified but unemployed graduates. According to him, the Tinubu administration aims to turn Nigeria’s youthful population into an engine of economic growth by integrating the programme into the national planning and budgeting system.

“Our goal is to raise $220 million not as charity, but as an investment in our most valuable asset: our young people,” Shettima stated.

The Vice President further emphasized that inclusivity would be central to the implementation of NJFP 2.0, ensuring participation across all regions and socio-economic backgrounds. Priority sectors include agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, noted that since its inception in 2021, the NJFP has empowered over 13,000 youths with skills and placements, with the new phase targeting 100,000 job opportunities within five years.

UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, and EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gauthier Mignot, both reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its sustainability through government integration and long-term funding mechanisms.

Teenager Takes Over as ‘Vice President for a Day,’ Champions Girl-Child Education.

A Nigerian teenager, Joy Ogah, on Monday, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima, using the moment to advocate for girls’ education and empowerment across the country.

According to a statement from the Office of the Vice President, the handover occurred during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, the organisation’s Director of Programme, Quality and Innovation.

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria — over 10.5 million, with girls accounting for more than 60 percent — urging government and stakeholders to invest in inclusive and safe learning environments.

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said.
“Every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence. When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day.”

Ogah further called on authorities to provide free sanitary products in schools, guarantee access to clean water, sanitation, and good nutrition, and implement policies that uphold the dignity of every girl.

Responding, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing girl-child education nationwide, pledging continued collaboration with PLAN International.

“We will continue engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your advice regarding girl-child education. In President Tinubu, you have an ally you can trust,” he stated.

Ogah’s “Vice President for a Day” experience, observers say, underscores the growing movement for inclusive education and equal opportunity, giving voice to the aspirations of millions of Nigerian girls still fighting for access to learning.

Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive.

“As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.

He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare.

Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption.

“Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.

“Nigeria Now Safer Than Before 2023” — Bwala Defends Tinubu’s Security Achievements


The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has claimed that Nigerians are now safer under the Tinubu administration than they were before 2023.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Bwala stated that major security threats such as prison breaks and daylight kidnappings—which were rampant across the country—have drastically reduced since Tinubu assumed office.

“Before 2023, prison breaks were common everywhere, even in Abuja. Kidnappings in broad daylight were frequent. But since President Tinubu came on board, those incidents have largely stopped. Nigerians are superlatively safer today,” Bwala asserted.


He emphasized that while isolated security challenges still occur, the overall situation has improved nationwide. Bwala further argued that Nigeria’s crime rate is often exaggerated compared to other countries.

“Crimes committed in the United States in one day are more than what happens in Nigeria. People don’t put that into perspective,” he said.


Bwala also responded to recent claims by U.S. lawmakers led by Senator Ted Cruz, who accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “Christian genocide.” He dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated, maintaining that insecurity in Nigeria is not religiously driven.

“That genocide claim is a well-coordinated agenda,” Bwala explained, alleging that the report cited by the U.S. senators originated from a local group with ties to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).


According to him, the controversy intensified after Vice President Kashim Shettima’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which boosted Nigeria’s international visibility and possibly drew political backlash.

Bwala reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to security reform and national stability, urging citizens to recognize the visible progress achieved so far.

“Insecurity is not tied to any faith or region. What we are witnessing is steady progress in restoring law and order across Nigeria,” he concluded.

Court documents: Amupitan not part of 2023 presidential election dispute.

Contrary to rumour being peddled on social media and sections of the society, court documents have revealed that the newly nominated Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan was never a member of the legal team of President Bola Tinubu at both the presidential election tribunal and the Supreme Court while the dispute over the 2023 presidential election lasted.

A search by The Nation through the lists of counsels’ appearances contained in the certified true copies (CTC) of the three judgments of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPC) and the two final judgments of the Supreme Court in the 2023 presidential election dispute did not reflect Prof Amupitan’s name.

Those peddling the rumour may have been unable to distinguish the name of Professor Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared with Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) along with others for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima from that of Professor Joash Amupitan.

The PEPC rendered its consolidated judgment on September 6, 2023 on the three petitions that it fully considered.

The three petitions were:
*Petition No: CA/PEPC/03/2023 was filed by Peter Obi and Labour Party (LP), with INEC, Tinubu, Shettima and APC as 1st, 2nd , 3rd & 4th respondents.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/04/2023 was filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM), with INEC, APC, Tinubu, Shettima and Kabir Masari listed as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

*Petition No: CA/PEPC/05/2023 was filed by Atiku Abubakar and the PDP, with INEC, Tinubu and the APC listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

PENGASSAN fires back at Shetima for condemning its strike action against Dangote.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has criticized the Vice President Kashim Shettima over his comments condemning its strike action against the Dangote refinery.

PENGASSAN Fires Back At Shettima For Condemning Its Strike Action Against Dangote
Last week, the PENGASSAN shut down key oil and gas facilities in protest against the alleged dismissal of 800 workers by the Dangote refinery for joining the union.

The refinery, however, denied the claim, insisting it only dismissed a few employees accused of sabotaging operations as part of its internal restructuring.

The strike caused disruptions in oil and gas production and affected electricity generation nationwide.

After government intervention, PENGASSAN suspended the strike on Wednesday when the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers to other business divisions.

Despite the resolution, fuel queues persisted in some cities, and the cost of cooking gas remained high, selling for around N2,000 per kilogram in Lagos and other areas.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described Aliko Dangote as more than an individual, calling him a major institution in Nigeria’s economy.

The vice president warned that no group or association should hold the nation to ransom, saying Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.

In its response, PENGASSAN’s National President, Festus Osifo, stated that Nigeria is also greater than Dangote and the Presidency.

"Dangote is an institution, how we treat him will determine how outsiders will judge us" — VP Shettima warns PENGASSAN.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to respect and protect the multibillion-dollar investment of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, describing it as essential to the nation’s economic stability and growth.

He emphasized that the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery represents a national asset critical to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and global competitiveness. 

His remarks came amid the recent industrial action by oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the alleged dismissal of about 800 unionized employees. 

IThe strike was later suspended after the intervention of Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Shettima lauded Dangote’s decision to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than taking his capital abroad. 

He said, “Aliko Dangote, he’s not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, or in Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.”

The Vice President also urged labour unions and the private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism when handling industrial disputes, warning that rash actions could jeopardize the nation’s progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan,” he added.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Analyst Links Tinubu-Shettima Alliance to Shared Ancestry in Kanem-Borno Empire

Public Affairs Analyst Majeed Dahiru has offered a fresh perspective on the partnership between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, suggesting that their bond extends beyond politics and religion, reaching deep into shared history.

Speaking in an interview with The Podcast Network, Dahiru revisited the controversy over the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket during the 2023 elections. He argued that the connection between Tinubu and Shettima is strengthened by ancestral ties that trace back to the ancient Kanem-Borno Empire.

According to him, the patriarch of the Tinubu family, Mallam Momodu Bàgarà, migrated centuries ago from Borno to Lagos, where he married the famous Madame Tinubu, a legendary trader and political influencer in Yoruba history. Although she had no children for him, Mallam Momodu married other wives, and their descendants carried on the Tinubu name that endures in Lagos today.

By highlighting this link, Dahiru suggested that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket symbolically ties Lagos and Borno together, representing not just a political alliance but also a shared cultural and ancestral heritage.

“If you know the history of the Tinubu family of Lagos, you would agree with me that it’s not only a Muslim-Muslim ticket. It’s also a Borno ticket, a Kanuri-Kanuri ticket, because the patriarch of the Tinubu family is actually Mallam Momodu Bàgarà from the old Kanem-Borno Empire,” Dahiru said.

He emphasized that this historical connection reframes the 2023 presidential pairing as more than a religious strategy, but rather a symbolic reunion of heritage and legacy.

Shettima Hails Tinubu’s Bold Economic Reforms, Urges Africa to Embrace Structural Transformation

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for demonstrating “uncommon political will” in implementing bold reforms to tackle Nigeria’s economic challenges.

Speaking at the 66th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) in Abuja, Shettima described Tinubu as a leader with a listening ear whose approach continues to inspire hope amid economic hardship.

“Nigeria is not exempt from Africa’s economic tragedies. But our silver lining is the listening ear of President Tinubu. Under his leadership, this administration has embarked on bold and inevitable reforms to address structural weaknesses that others only paid lip service to.
These reforms are painful but necessary—like surgery that cures a malignant disease. The wounds are temporary, but the recovery is permanent,” Shettima said.

The Vice President acknowledged the hardship accompanying the reforms, alongside global economic pressures, but stressed that the government has introduced investment-friendly policies and social protection programmes in key sectors like transportation, healthcare, and education to cushion vulnerable citizens.

He further emphasized the need for Africa to embrace the knowledge economy and structural transformation to combat poverty and unemployment:

“We live in a world where a citizen in Daura can offer services to a corporation in Dallas without leaving his bedroom. To catch up, Africa must reinvent its human capital and reverse unemployment. Poverty must be confronted head-on if this continent’s promise is to be realized.”



Shettima also noted that global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, energy transition, and artificial intelligence, though often seen as threats, present opportunities for Africa’s economic renewal.

Other Highlights from the Conference

Abubakar Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, pledged to integrate NES into government programmes like the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme.

Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, described the livestock sector as “Nigeria’s next crude oil” and promised collaboration with NES on diversification.

Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, NES President, reaffirmed the society’s commitment to bridging research and policy.

Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye of the African Development Bank urged greater investment in people alongside reforms.


The event was attended by senior government officials, academics, lawmakers, and representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Sam Amadi: “Nigeria Needs Fresh Leaders, Not Recycled Politicians”

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has sparked conversations about the future of Nigeria’s politics after questioning the recycling of familiar political figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a post on his official X account, Amadi asked:

“Can someone tell me what I would gain by changing Tinubu for Amaechi, Hope for Araraume, Malami for Gbaja, El-Rufai for Tinubu or Shettima? What is the point of the change? Why can we not have a different politics with the likes of Peter Obi, Adesina, Shehu Sani, Aisha etc? Why?”


According to him, merely rotating the same old leaders does not represent real change but only extends the cycle that has hindered Nigeria’s progress.

Amadi stressed that the country needs a new political direction driven by fresh voices and visionary leadership, not individuals who have already been in power without delivering transformative results.

He pointed to leaders like Peter Obi, Akinwumi Adesina, Shehu Sani, and Aisha Yesufu as examples of figures who could inject new energy and ideas into governance.

Until Nigeria breaks away from its entrenched political structures, Amadi warned, the nation may remain trapped in a cycle of disappointment.

“Kwankwaso’s Power Ends in Kano” — Analyst Questions Ex-Governor’s Political Reach

Public affairs analyst, Barrister Darlington Agomuo, has cast doubts on the political influence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, insisting that his dominance is mostly limited to Kano State.

Speaking in an interview with Voice of the People TV, Agomuo argued that unlike other northern politicians who can rally support across several states, Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya movement and strength within the NNPP remain largely confined to Kano.

He stressed that figures like Vice President Kashim Shettima wield broader regional authority, mobilizing influence across multiple northern states, giving them a stronger national bargaining power.

“So you only have Kano, but these other people — the Shettima and Co in Borno, they have more than three, four states they can rally around and give to Tinubu,” Agomuo stated.

While acknowledging Kwankwaso as a prominent Hausa politician, Agomuo maintained that his political impact pales in comparison to northern leaders with wider reach.

NNPP Slams Tinubu Over Frequent Foreign Trips: “Nigerians Are Tired Already”

Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his constant foreign trips, expressing frustration that Nigerians are “tired” of the president’s repeated absences.

Speaking on Friday, September 5, 2025, Johnson questioned whether Tinubu properly handed over to Vice President Kashim Shettima before embarking on his numerous journeys.

He argued that the administration appears to believe governance can be done from anywhere, while urgent challenges at home — including insecurity, poverty, and poor healthcare — remain unresolved.

“What else can we say? Nigerians are tired of him already. In short, we don’t know what to say again… They don’t even listen to anybody and won’t do what ought to be done,” Johnson lamented.

Reports show Tinubu has traveled abroad 15 times in 2025 alone, attending summits, bilateral meetings, and vacations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Johnson described the trips as a misuse of taxpayer funds, stressing that ordinary Nigerians continue to face hardships while the president is away.

Today, I welcomed Vice President Francia Márquez of Colombia to the Aso Villa. Her words about returning to “the land of our ancestors” remind us that no ocean can separate a shared heritage.

For centuries, history may have created divisions between Africa and Latin America, but we are committed to fostering new collaboration and building connections across sectors. Our shared history can lead us to a brighter future of mutual prosperity.

VP Kashim Shettima and his team have done an excellent job laying the groundwork for this cooperation. Our business opportunities with Colombia have already been enhanced, and I support every aspect of the agreements reached.

Particularly with Colombia, Nigeria's recent agreement with Brazil can easily be replicated in aviation, and our diplomatic relations can be enhanced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will accelerate this.

Nigeria brings the energy of a young, skilled population; Colombia brings opportunity and heritage. We must keep collaborating to drive inclusive growth, social justice, and stronger South–South cooperation.

As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria will continue to lead in forging these new partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean.

No ocean is wide enough to divide us any longer.

~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Governor Alia Celebrates VP Shettima at 59

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 59th birthday.

In a goodwill message on behalf of the government and people of Benue State, Alia described Shettima as a symbol of resilience, courage, and devotion to Nigeria.

He commended the Vice President’s leadership record as former Borno State governor, lawmaker, and now deputy to President Bola Tinubu, noting his contributions to peace, unity, economic reform, and good governance.

“May God bless you with renewed strength, wisdom, and good health to continue serving our dear country,” Alia prayed.

#ShettimaAt59 #BenueState #RenewedHope

My Support For 2023 Muslim-Muslim Ticket Was Political, Not Religious — El-Rufai
In the build-up to the election, the APC’s choice of President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim from the South-West, and Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from the North-East, generated mixed reactions.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said his support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election was not motivated by religion but was a political strategy.

Marafa Confirms Resignation From APC
He, however, did not give his reason for dumping the APC.
The former Tinubu/Shettima 2023 Presidential Campaign Coordinator in Zamfara State disclosed this to Channels Television via a text message on Sunday.

Colombian Vice President Visits Nigeria, To Meet Shettima, Business Leaders
A key highlight of the visit is the signing of memoranda of understanding in strategic areas of the economy, including women's empowerment, trade, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture, and culture, among others.

Pres. Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salary Benefits for Retiring Senior Officers — Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.

The policy, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was unveiled on Thursday during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where Tunji-Ojo outlined his ministry’s achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms.

“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, the minister announced that any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller/Comptroller/Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” a statement signed by DCF PO Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, said.

The statement further conveyed the minister’s gratitude, “The minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, affirming that all agencies under the Ministry of Interior are reaping the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the ministry had cleared a long-standing backlog of promotions, with over 50,000 officers elevated in the last two years. Going forward, promotions will be tied to capacity and performance. He also revealed that new training manuals have been developed and that construction of a world-class Fire Academy—designed to rival institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy—is underway.

The minister stressed the importance of workplace m+ntal health, pledging the ministry’s full support for officers in this regard. He further urged the Federal Fire Service to pursue private sector partnerships to strengthen service delivery, improve infrastructure, and modernise firefighting operations nationwide.

He added that the framework will be participatory, involving government, private sector, labour, civil society, and traditional institutions.

On food security, Shettima announced that NASENI has scaled up local production of solar-powered irrigation pumps, saying: “This is the story of a nation’s refusal to be hostage to petrol-powered systems.” The Council also directed the release of funds for the next polio immunisation campaign, following a 46% drop in cases in 2025, though Sokoto remains a hotspot.

Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya confirmed gains in Kano and Katsina. Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu explained the plan is the second of six five-year frameworks under Nigeria Agenda 2050, targeting job creation, infrastructure, human capital, food security, and social protection. Governors, including Charles Soludo, welcomed the early start and urged inclusive state-level participation. NEC also resolved to integrate technology into routine immunisation and called for urgent release of campaign funds.

The National Economic Council (NEC) has endorsed the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026–2030), designed to consolidate reforms and drive Nigeria towards a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Chairing the 151st NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima said the plan will build on the National Development Plan (2021–2025), align with Nigeria Agenda 2050, and ensure policy continuity.

Shettima stressed that the plan will be participatory, involving states, local governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth groups.

He also highlighted new interventions, including NASENI’s rollout of solar-powered irrigation pumps to cut farmers’ energy costs and boost food security.

#NEC #RenewedHope #NigeriaEconomy #Shettima #Agenda2050 #BreakingNews