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INDEPENDENCE LECTURE:YOUR SACRIFICES WON’T BE IN VAIN, VP SHETTIMA TELLS NIGERIANS

INDEPENDENCE LECTURE:
YOUR SACRIFICES WON’T BE IN VAIN, VP SHETTIMA TELLS NIGERIANS
By: Our Reporter
Nigeria’s Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has assured Nigerians that their sacrifices will not be in vain, saying the promises made by the Tinubu administration will be fulfilled.
Sen. Shettima made the remarks on Thursday at a public lecture to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a country where the economic independence of each citizen is guaranteed, and where none of them has to depend on unspecified handouts to earn a living.
“Today, we gather to honour Nigeria’s journey to redefine its destiny. Today, we stand on the precipice of history to reflect upon a nation that has defied the predictions of doomsayers, a nation that has become the metaphor of resilience.
“Over the past 63 years, we have not only survived but thrived because of our collective resolve, our commitment to progress, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds us together from Aba, down through Ogbomosho to Zaria, despite the conspiracies of minor vested interests,” the Vice President said.
According to him, while this anniversary offers Nigeria another opportunity to acknowledge the cross-regional bonds that have kept the country standing as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, “we are here to remind ourselves that the future we promised Nigerians isn’t an empty performance for electoral favours.”
The Vice President noted that the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of a socio-economic challenge, but by the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders, and their commitment to implementing them.
He said: “We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty. We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security, and optimize the business environment for our enterprises.
“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.”
Reflecting on the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Shettima pointed out that “the tragedy reminded us that viruses do not discriminate based on ethnicity or religion, and that our strength as a nation is driven by our collective faith in the ideals that define us and in the moral character of our leaders.”
The VP then emphasized the crucial role of leadership in shaping a nation’s destiny, stating that “the future of a great nation rests on the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.”
The Vice President also recognized the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the years, noting that such solidarity has inspired the government to focus on diverse sectors, from agriculture to digital technology, from healthcare to education.
He said: “We knew from the starting point of this race to serve the people that the track would not be without its holes and thorns. We knew that challenges would arise, and obstacles would test our resolve. But, as our history has shown, Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by a temporary setback. We are going to emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us with renewed hope.”
With unwavering determination, Sen. Shettima asserted, “at 63, we recognize that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we’ve inherited necessitates sacrifices.”
He reiterated that these sacrifices are investments in a brighter future, one that will secure the well-being of current and future generations.
VP Shettima reminded the nation: “As we work together towards a future where opportunity knows no bounds, let’s remember that our most potent weapon is the overriding resolve of the majority to choose unity over chaos and democracy over anarchy.”
Earlier in his address, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, called on the Federal Government to consider increasing the salary of workers to mitigate the current economic situation in the country.
He advised the administration to build on the existing synergy among the different arms of government to provide the much needed democracy dividends to Nigerians.
Also speaking on Tinubu administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda in a lecture themed, “Actualizing the vision of Renewed Hope for socio-economic development through effective leadership”, the guest speaker, Dr Goke Adegoroye, commended President Tinubu for the steps taken so far in repositioning governance and resetting the economy.
He however urged the administration to prioritise key aspects of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda with a view to ensuring that the impact is felt across different sectors of the economy.
Present at the event were Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Esan; Ministers of Information, Mr Mohammed Idris; Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev; FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike; Budget and Economic Planning, Alh. Atiku Bagudu; Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake; Police Affairs, Alh Ibrahim Gaidam; Steel Development, Mr Shuaibu Audu, and Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, among others.
Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as some members of the diplomatic community also attended the event.
INDEPENDENCE LECTURE:
YOUR SACRIFICES WON’T BE IN VAIN, VP SHETTIMA TELLS NIGERIANS
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Community leader killed in Bokkos ambush in Plateau

Community leader killed in Bokkos ambush in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
A community leader has been killed in an ambush by suspected armed militias in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday when a joint patrol team comprising military personnel, vigilantes and hunters was attacked along the Horop–Laban–Nawala feeder road, which shares boundary with Nasarawa State.
Sources confirmed that the victim, Mr. Dabit Clement Joseph, popularly known as Chepti, aged 47, who was the Youth President of Horop District, was shot dead during the ambush.
His remains have been evacuated and deposited at Luna Hospital morgue in Bokkos.
Police said investigation into the incident has commenced, with efforts underway to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
End
News
Bandit leader Abu Dan Barka, four fighters killed by fellow bandits in Zamfara

Bandit leader Abu Dan Barka, four fighters killed by fellow bandits in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Malama
A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Abu Dan Barka, and four of his fighters have been killed by fellow bandits in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident occurred east of Magana Mai Rake village, near Yar Tashar Sahabi in Dansadau district of Maru.
The sources said the bandit kingpin and his fighters were ambushed and killed while moving through the area.
“Kachalla Abu Dan Barka was a well-known commander operating in Dansadau. His base was at Madada village, from where he coordinated attacks, cattle rustling, and kidnappings across Maru and adjoining LGAs,” one of the sources said.
The killing of Abu Dan Barka is seen as part of the rising wave of internal rivalries among bandit factions in Zamfara, where clashes between gangs have increased in recent months.
Zagazola noted that the Dansadau axis, long considered a major stronghold of banditry, has witnessed repeated turf wars as groups compete for dominance and control of illicit revenue streams.
While security forces have intensified operations in Zamfara and across the North West, many bandit leaders have also come under threat from internecine rivalries and betrayals within their ranks.
Zagazola is closely monitoring the trend.
End
News
Borno State Governor Prof. Zulum’s digital transformation leads strategic digital growth initiatives at GITEX Nigeria 2025.

Borno State Governor Prof. Zulum’s digital transformation leads strategic digital growth initiatives at GITEX Nigeria 2025.
By: Our Reporter
The Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), under the able leadership of Hon. Engr. Mohammed Ahmed Kabir Wanori, supported by the Governing Board Chairman Dr. Idris Mohammed Yelwa and Prof. Mustapha Tijani, is actively building partnerships to accelerate digital innovation in Borno.

At GITEX Nigeria 2025, the BICTDA team of eight young innovators engaged with Cisco and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to explore exciting opportunities that can spark digital innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthen data protection, share knowledge, and grow Borno’s digital economy.

Hon. Engr. Wanori applauded Governor Zulum for his unprecedented support for digital growth, ICT development, and the empowerment of young people.

These meetings reflect BICTDA’s commitment to positioning Borno as a major driver of the North East sub-region’s digital future, creating new opportunities for startups, businesses, and young innovators across the region.
Borno State Governor Prof. Zulum’s digital transformation leads strategic digital growth initiatives at GITEX Nigeria 2025.
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