Columns
My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.

My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
I decided to bring this historic event as one of my end of year views into my binocular because of the tremendous love I have for the health sector. Apart from that I have watched both left handed Professors who are health lovers in this narrative do their best from the extreme corner of north east Nigeria. Both Professors Babagana Zulum and Ahmed Ahidjo have a common craze in their services to humanity. And that is their craze for infrastructural development regardless of the sector. Having watched the deteriorating health sector in Nigeria since 1999 when democratic governments took charge, never have I seen such synergy between the federal and state governments in a bid to restore the health sector as I have seen in Borno. Zulum has expectedly taken ownership of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) as a mark of his magnanimous social responsibility to his people as the chair of the north East Governors forum. His recent visit to the UMTH cannot pass without going into the annals of my series on the review of 2022 which will soon come to an end.
Alternative solar power at the UMTH
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH has survived many challenges. One of the biggest challenges it has gone through is the very insurgency which has enveloped its catchment area which is north east Nigeria since 2009. That is why it has not escaped the eagle eyes of both Governor Kashim Shettima and his political disciple Professor Babagana Zulum. The donation of N100m by Professor Zulum to the institution recently was a big boaster which has turned out to be a saving grace for the mainly diesel support lighting system to the growing institution. Sadly alternative lighting of the hospital is a big burden to the Chief Medical Director which is why he directed that the grant from the government will go immediately to cushion the lightening system through solar. The massive lightening of the hospital will be a great relief to many patient who used to sleep in darkness with or without the knowledge of management especially when diesel is finished. For a facility which spends more than 50 percent of its internally generated revenue (IGR) on diesel re-lightening the facility through an alternative solar source is a giant leap in the service to the north east of the country. The UMTH has actually been swallowing more than it can chew because of the heavy burden and expectations placed on it by the entire North East Nigeria.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/reuters-mercenary-journalism-and-nigerian-military/
Instead of concentration on only tertiary cases, primary and secondary issues have all been rushed into the facility and the consultants cannot say no to what is going on. They are always ready to respond to minor cases that is brought to their knowledge. Even if it’s just ordinary post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can be handled by the secondary level in the state.
The Challenge of accommodation
From very reliable sources, one of the greatest problems of the UMTH has been the issue of accommodation which has not been tackled head long for the last 40 years. It’s been so biting in the hospital that it has affected both General practicing Medical Officers, residents and consultants. It’s been a major challenge because most of the medical practitioners feel unsafe living outside the facility which is heavily protected from all fronts and gates. Newly recruited resident doctors are the most hit because they must be near the facility to run calls. That is why the building of a new set of flats by Governor Zulum is coming at a time when it is quite needed in the hospital. The CMD Professor Ahidjo was extremely happy when the Governor came to turn the sod for the building of those flats located in the heart of the residential areas within the UMTH.
Hear his remarks during the visit of Governor Zulum to UMTH
” I would not hide my feelings as I was working with His Excellency, tears were running down my face I had to turn round to clean my tears. It is not because of the donation, but that compassion that goes with it. It is not every leader that you have, that would come and visit you and see what you have, after the challenges that you faced and share with you, not everybody can do that.

“Your Excellency, we cherish your compassion, and that is the most important thing. We all know the Federal Government has stopped building housing for its own staffs especially in facilities like this. And in our own environment we are all living in insurgency prone areas. Housing may be a single factor that may make a professional leave this institution. So one cannot overemphasize the importance of housing to our own staff. Many that want to come to this hospital with skills, but are not people that when you advertise for employment that will apply. NO! We look for them, because they have special skills. And one of the first thing they would ask YOU is, do you have accommodation? Without accommodation they won’t come, because where they work, they are already accommodated. For them to leave where they are to come here with no accommodation I think that may be very difficult. Recently our resident doctors have been crying aloud because of lack of this accommodation equally.
” So this came right at a time that we really needed it and I think your Excellency sir, we are really very grateful. However, this is not the very first time you started it. We all went to the auditorium with almost 1200 seating space in the main hall with the parallel section that will accommodate 1800 participants, which you donated freely to the hospital. We really cherish that particular action and we would never forget that.
Zulum’s boaster against Covid
“Again all of you can remember during the COVID time, things were hard, there was no single naira donated or given to this hospital to manage COVID 19 before intervention came from His Excellency of 20 million naira to this hospital, I vividly recall that his donation was the first that we got to manage COVID 19 patients and it came at a time when there was a lot of media challenges, here and there the money was given to the hospital to manage COVID 19 and nothing was done. As of that time not a single kobo was given to the Teaching Hospital to manage COVID 19 by the Federal Government. The Borno State Government was the first body to give University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital the sum of 20 million as support for managing COVID 19. We are really very grateful and we are very happy to be associated with you sir.
Ensuring that nobody leaves the north east Nigeria for advance treatment anywhere.
“Such leaders are really people that we all need to support, we are not talking about party, but there are individuals that have excelled. Showing exceptional virtues anywhere. They have sacrificed their lives not only to get anything but to service their own people. We salute you your Excellency for your exceptional expressions of your virtues that is beneficial to humanity. Not only that, whenever you are with him, before you start thinking of asking for this or that, he is the one that will ask you what are the challenges you are facing. Which means you are concerned with your own institution, that is why you are there to ask. But he is more concerned thinking about your own institution given you options before you even ask, that is only shown by few leaders. Some of the Governors have a clear cut demarcation between Federal and State Government institutions, but the case here is entirely different.
“I am happy for us here at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, myself and my team and the team of the board of management, has been exceptionally hard workin. Our Board Chairman is not from Borno State, he is not from the Northeast but for any door I want to open, he is there by my side in support. We live in peace, for one to have an opportunity to operate it means there is baseline peace. It is not possible for us to do all these things without the support of the UMTH staff and Borno Community. In other climes, we see petitions flying to EFCC, ICPC all the time. But here, everybody is supporting and that makes the environment conducive for all of us. And Unions they are all here from the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultant Association, the Resident doctors, JOHASU, Nursing Association, Pharmacists Association all of them are here today represented in this room. I really commend you because on any issue we work as a family in this hospital, we never had challenges between us. We have gone round we have seen centers. We have dreams, we have so many good dreams, but the main thing in our dream is to ensure that no one would leave Northeast for treatment elsewhere that’s where we are heading to. We may not be there we may be slightly less than 50 percent of where we really want to go, but we are moving. Today we have gone round, at least we have gone round 60 percent of the new things that we have done. There are other 40 percent remaining. I believe some of you may also want go round again, you can be able to see what we were able to achieve. Once again your Excellency we thank you for this kind gesture and lastly you came with a donation of 100m. If I tell you the reality. The expenditure of the hospital is far more than the revenue generated. Sometimes for you to manage such facility, you have to think outside the box, you have to have business skills. The internal revenue generation of this hospital is clearly about 50 million but the expenditure is over 100 million. Only two items in our expenditure, diesel is 50 something million in a month and yet all of the revenue generation is about 50 million. So you find that managing such facility is very difficult. If you say you will add the cost of investigation and services, the society is poor. If you say, you would loose, you will not add, vendor supply is their own money. How do you pay them? So you will be left in the middle. So you need a lot of skills to navigate. But many do not understand, they feel like there were piles of money and you refused to put light, you refuse to put water, you refuse to put the food that’s how they assume, but it is not so. So your Excellency sir, we really appreciate and we thank you.”
Governor Zulum responds
” The Government of Borno State under my leadership will continue to provide major support to this hospital with a view to delivering the mandate of providing portable quality healthcare delivery system to the entire people of Borno State, the Northeast Nigeria and Nigeria as a whole.

“We acknowledge the contribution of each and every one that is working in this facility. We have seen the magnitude of the problem that we had in Borno State as a result of the Boko haram insurgency. We have seen the impact of efficiency to this hospital within the last 12 years. We are also glad to understand the nexus of peace that exist between the management of this hospital and principal officers. And above all the relationship between the management and the senior and junior staffs of this hospital which I clearly reiterated during my tour. I have nothing to say, than to pray to Almighty Allah for you to continue the good works that you are doing with us here.Thank you very much.
“I want to deliver the Check of 100 million naira to this hospital. If you are writing the budget down it will be very difficult for someone outside this environment to understand it. Funding is very key. For those that have managed organizations including CMD and others that are here fully understand. For somebody who is outside the box, it would be very difficult to understand how strenuous it is to manage an institution, like you are spending your hard earned money. There are a lot of fights and what is to be in the account sometime may not be even up to 10 percent of the products you want that are already on your desk. Therefore, we pray that God will give you wisdom, in the running of this very important hospital like University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.”
Presentation of letter of commendation by Resident Doctors to Governor Zulum
” Your Excellency sir, it is my wish to present this token to you sir it is a letter of recommendation the Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH are proud of you, we want to associate ourselves with you, we want to rebrand the world. The Association of Residence Doctors of UMTH lead by myself wish to appreciate your magnificent gesture in laying the foundation for 24 housing unit sir. There is no doubt that this intervention will go a long way in cushioning the demands of our members seeking to reside within the hospital for easy proximity to their place of work. We cannot overemphasize the support you have being rendering to the health sector within the state. This has indeed attracted so many professionals to come down to Borno State. As you said while laying the foundation for the 24 housing unit, we pray we will soon gather for the official commissioning of this project. Sir, we pray to Almighty Allah to continue to guide you and protect you as you pilot this administration.
“At this juncture I want to narrate a small story. Last October, I was reading in our library when you came into our hospital around 12am to a patient in ICU. I saw you and I greeted, I was standing there when you returned from the ICU and you gave me N100,000. That money was used to pay for my certificate and that night I told myself this is a good sign and I have passed that exam.
Board Chairman University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital speaks
“I felt after receiving that N100m, it is absolutely necessary for me to give a vote of thanks, not only for the money and not only for the building of 24 houses that you are about to embark upon building but for your magnanimity in making time whenever we have a problem you are always giving us listening ears. Such leaders are very rear. When we give you a call, you take our call, you listen to us if it is something that you will intervene on our behalf you do that, because you know that the responsibility being given to us is also part of your responsibility. Whatever we do here we do it to serve the people of Borno State and by extension you are their number one citizen. We give you your mandate, you are always conscious of that.
“I lack words to express the appreciation, the honor the respect and the reverence we have for you. We hold you in the highest esteem you can ever imagine. We do this because of the compassion that you have for us not only us but the entire people that you lead. As we were walking about today, we met people that were on duty, you called them by their names, you even told us stories of those that you had even driven commercial vehicles together with them in the past, people that you have being borrowing money from them while in the University. Sir, these are things that you can hardly find in a leader once they go up they have forgotten the past, they have forgotten their stories. But you are a different specie of human being entirely and I hope you live Insha Allah to tell more stories ahead of you. And we hope you have an opportunity one day to lead this nation. And there, as we are going round you gave us advices and we took all your advices.
“I just want to put into record that Prof. Ahidjo and his top management team and of course the governing board and all the union in the hospital and the staffs, that we believe even the most down trodden of all the people are important because you served the people, in a complete system. If one does not work the others will not be appropriate to function that is our approach to this thing. So when the board is one there will always be synergy on what we are doing. When we came here, we came to change things and Alhamdullillah we have been able to receive the support of the management to lead and to ensure that all these wonderful things you are doing are fine.
“And the cardinal thing is we had a transformation plan that is in three phases. The first aspect is this infrastructure development that you are seeing your Excellency. The next phase is capacity building and human capital development which is being done simultaneously with infrastructural development and it is only when you have skill you can be able to attract all the necessary research grants that you need in order to undertake all the three cardinal principles. And Prof. Ahidjo and his team are doing wonderfully well towards achieving that goal.
Focus of this capacity building is ongoing here , just when we pursue that NGO you made a promise that you will partner with us, in order to work with us to see how we can attack and rescue the incidences of renal failures that we are testing, so I believe that partnership will bring about the needed research grant to us because you have to identify why renal failure in the first place. Before you can go into advocacy and start telling people what and what. So for me you have already opened the door for that research grant and we want to thank you. When the time comes we will come back with our caps in hand to ask for even more, Commissioner of health take note. And for all your Excellency I want to thank you most profoundly, most gratefully on behalf of the board of governance top level management senior Professors, staffs and management of this institution for your generosity, magnanimity, humility in fact all that I can mention that are positive thank you very much and we wish you all the best that this life can offer. “
Conclusion
I have so many astounding events I recorded with my binocular but this is one very important one I will not forget as a health freak myself. A visit to the quarters for the doctors being built by Zulum shows that it will soon be commissioned for its service to humanity. Solar electricity is also an insignia of strength for the UMTH.
My Binocular: Zulum, Ahidjo and the quest to bring health care to the people of Borno and North East Nigeria.
Columns
Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke

Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke
By: Balami Lazarus
As I write this piece, I was caught between the beautiful literary works of two great African poets and not knowing who to quote because they say the same thing poetically in different ways, going by their subject matter. As the writing progresses, I will definitely make reference to one of them to qualify this discourse.
The “Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead” I read recently has explicitly expressed our individual differences exhibited by man in lifestyles and even in death. The book written in spell said that even in death, individuals are different.
I hereby believe that some persons are battling with parents, relatives, friends, and acquaintances who are trying to impose their ways of life and styles on them, refusing to accept the fact that likes and dislikes make us different as humans. When I got to understand myself as an individual adult who has a mind of his own, making me positively different, that was the beginning of my journey to self-freedom as an individual.
As humans, we are physically the same, but we easily forget that you and I are entirely different. I have always tried to single myself out from the crowd to make a difference in terms of things that are personal and not against the law. With this in mind, I have developed a very strong, self-independent mindset, which has made me principled, and I don’t play to the gallery. That has also made me stand out like an inselberg mountain. However, for the purpose of family, collective responsibilities, and public interest, I must stoop with love and understanding for the sake of progress, growth, and development.
Therefore, my dislike for birthday celebrations makes me different from you or anyone out there. Moreover, it is of no value to me as I live. With this, I recalled when a young school pupil was asked at a children’s program, Would you like to be like Aliko Dangote ?
He answered and said, “No, we are different.” For me, that was a brilliant answer, for it entails so many things.
I have long disciplined and have control of my mind, body, and soul to outgrow so many things that are not necessary or important for me to either have , do, or use. This has helped me to brush aside and ignore so many things. Perhaps for the purpose of association or friendship, I might like or admire some things about the individual concerned, but the fact remains I will not and shall never be you nor do as you do because even in death—funeral/burial—we are different.
Most birthdays are celebrated empty of how old the celebrants are because they are ageless. What is the rationale behind this?. Does it make sense? . My father, of blessed memory, was good at record keeping. He taught us, as his children, to be mindful of important dates and years for future use and documentation. He further reminded us that “your birthday has been properly celebrated during your naming ceremony. Why another birthday celebratio”n?
I have seen where some people took birthday celebrations as if they were a personal achievement, and some even took offense when you did not identify with them by either phone calls , text messages, or other social media handles. Shamelessly, few among these individuals confront you with the anger of a black mamba showing all over them as if it were an obligation to celebrate with them on this self-meaningless and childish glee, which I see as generational encroachment because as a mature adult, you no longer need such celebration. This is my opinion.
I will not conclude this article without telling readers that I do attend ceremonies like Thanksgiving, graduations, award presentations, marriages, namings, and funerals, among other important events, but not birthday celebrations; that is always Plus (+) One, year in and year out. What is a burlesque? And this brings me to where I will have to quote one of the two African poets, Wole Soyinka and John Pepper Clark (Abikus). Suffice to say, Plus (+) One is like the Abiku in Wole Soyinka’s poem “I am Abiku calling for the first… repeated time , ageless though our puke.” This is the way of many birthday celebrants .
Finally, I smell the spoor of some readers saying in their minds that this writer is out of date , a bushman, socially bankrupt, and does not belong. I guess I am right . Well, in recollection, calmness, and stillness, I stand to say we are different.
Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290.
Birthday Celebrations: Ageless Plus One They Puke
Columns
RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?

RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?
By: Dr. James Bwala
This caption drew my attention as I woke up this morning. “SDP is now Nigeria’s ‘new bride’; we’re ready to unseat Tinubu in 2027.” Mr. Dogara, an official, described the SDP as “the new bride of Nigeria,” claiming the party’s membership is growing rapidly across the country. “I was supposed to be surprised, but I laughed so hilariously knowing the political landscape we are operating in and how some people can turn in their dreams and hold on to a belief that they are still kings as they were in that dreamland.
The metaphor of a “new bride” in political discourse often symbolizes freshness, hope, and transformative potential within a political landscape. In Nigeria, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) emerged as one such entity purported to represent renewal and progressive change. However, despite this symbolic promise, the SDP lacks substantive impact in Nigeria’s complex political environment. The party’s existence does not translate into genuine institutional reform or meaningful democratic consolidation. Instead, Nigerian politics remains marred by entrenched issues such as corruption, ethnic divisions, and electoral malpractice that hinder any new political actor from effecting substantial change.
Moreover, the SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from established parties suggests that it fails to embody the qualities associated with a “new bride.” Rather than offering innovative policies or an alternative governance model, it appears as another participant in Nigeria’s cyclical political stagnation. Consequently, while multiple avenues exist to identify a “new bride” politically—such as ideological novelty or reformist zeal—the SDP conspicuously lacks these attributes in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Despite its initial allure, the SDP’s platform lacks the ideological clarity and policy depth necessary to challenge Nigeria’s entrenched political norms. In essence, the SDP’s failure to articulate a distinct political vision or leverage grassroots support further underscores its inadequacy as an agent of change within Nigeria’s entrenched political system. Furthermore, the SDP’s lack of strategic alliances and failure to galvanize a broad-based coalition further diminishes its potential as a transformative political force in Nigeria.
The party’s lack of a coherent strategy to address Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges further exacerbates its inability to resonate with the electorate and establish itself as a credible alternative. Without a compelling narrative or a robust grassroots engagement strategy, the SDP remains ill-equipped to navigate and influence the complex political terrain of Nigeria, leaving them in stark contrast to what one might expect from a truly revitalizing political entity.
The SDP’s inability to distinguish itself from the existing political framework further limits its capacity to attract voters seeking genuine change. Moreover, the absence of a clear and compelling policy agenda not only hinders the SDP’s ability to differentiate itself from established parties but also limits its appeal to a populace yearning for substantive political reform. Without a clear vision or innovative approach, the SDP’s efforts to engage with Nigeria’s diverse electorate remain superficial and largely ineffective.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-plight-of-farida/
The party’s failure to articulate a clear stance on key national issues, such as corruption and electoral reform, further alienates it from voters who are desperate for meaningful progress and accountability in governance. The SDP’s struggle to resonate with the electorate is exacerbated by its lack of charismatic leadership.
Compounding this issue is the party’s inability to effectively leverage grassroots movements or build a robust network of support at the community level. Moreover, the party’s outdated strategies and lack of engagement with Nigeria’s youthful population further diminish its appeal as a viable alternative to the entrenched political entities. This is further compounded by the SDP’s failure to articulate a clear and compelling vision that distinguishes it from established parties, leaving it adrift in a sea of political sameness.
SDP’s inability to leverage its historical significance and past achievements has rendered it almost invisible in a rapidly evolving political environment. Lacking the dynamic qualities and fresh perspectives typically associated with a ‘new bride,’ the SDP struggles to captivate the electorate’s imagination or promise substantial change in Nigeria’s political discourse. In a political landscape where the electorate is increasingly seeking genuine transformation and innovative solutions, the SDP’s inability to adapt and present a forward-thinking agenda leaves it struggling to remain relevant.
Without a strategic overhaul and a willingness to embrace innovation, the SDP risks fading into irrelevance as voters gravitate towards parties that offer tangible solutions and visionary leadership. The SDP’s inability to resonate with the aspirations of a diverse and dynamic electorate underscores its struggle to remain pertinent in Nigeria’s competitive political arena.
Despite these challenges, the SDP continues to participate in elections, albeit with diminishing influence and limited success. Such circumstances underscore the necessity for the SDP to undergo a transformative renewal, one that prioritizes innovative policies and embraces the dynamic energy of Nigeria’s younger generation. Engaging with the youth through meaningful dialogue and showcasing a commitment to addressing their concerns could potentially revitalize the party’s image and reconnect it with a demographic that is pivotal for electoral success.
By fostering an environment that encourages the participation of emerging leaders and by aligning its policies with the progressive aspirations of the populace, the SDP could potentially redefine its role in Nigeria’s political future. By doing so, the SDP may not only rejuvenate its appeal but also position itself as a credible alternative capable of driving meaningful change in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. For now, contrary to its claims and dreams of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, according to Abubakar Dogara, the party’s national vice chairman for the North-Central Zone, the party needs to look inward and look at the vast grounds they are dreaming of breaking to make an impact in 2027.
*James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
RE: SDP ‘now Nigeria’s new bride’?
Columns
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)

VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s political trajectory is emblematic of the intricate interplay between fate, faith, and the lessons derived from Nigeria’s fraught political landscape. His ascent to the vice presidency amid a controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket underscores the delicate balance he must maintain in a deeply religious and ethnically diverse nation. This position has thrust him into debates about inclusivity and representation, compelling him to advocate for equitable power-sharing despite prevailing sectarian tensions.
Shettima’s public endorsement of a Southern Christian Senate President, even at the expense of perceived meritocracy, reflects his commitment to national unity over narrow religious or regional interests. Such gestures reveal an understanding that faith should foster cohesion rather than division—a lesson critical in Nigeria’s volatile sociopolitical climate. However, this idealism exists against a backdrop where governance often appears disengaged from citizens’ urgent needs. This disconnect between leadership and citizenry challenges Shettima to bridge the gap, urging him to align his actions with the foundational values of empathy and accountability that can steer Nigeria towards a more inclusive future.
Ultimately, Shettima’s experience illustrates how personal conviction and political pragmatism coalesce within leadership roles constrained by structural violence and historical grievances. His journey teaches that navigating Nigeria’s complexities demands not only strategic acumen but also an unwavering faith in dialogue and inclusivity as tools for lasting peace. In this context, Shettima’s leadership journey serves as a testament to the necessity of balancing personal beliefs with the broader imperative of fostering national unity. His efforts underscore a critical lesson: that sustainable governance in Nigeria hinges on leaders who prioritize collective well-being over entrenched divisions. His leadership demonstrates the critical importance of empathy and a genuine commitment to national progress in overcoming deep-seated challenges that threaten Nigeria’s stability.
His ability to navigate these challenges with a focus on dialogue and inclusivity not only affirms his commitment to national progress but also exemplifies the potential for leadership that transcends personal and political divides. His leadership approach, characterized by a deliberate effort to embrace diversity and promote equitable representation, reflects an understanding that Nigeria’s future hinges on the strength of its unity. His vision for a unified Nigeria, though ambitious, is a necessary pursuit in a nation where historical divisions have too often been exploited for political gain.
Shettima’s advocacy for equitable political representation, as evidenced by his controversial yet principled stance on promoting a Southern Christian Senate President to ensure balance and inclusivity, further illustrates his dedication to transcending religious and regional divides. This commitment to bridging divides is a testament to his belief in a Nigeria where leadership is defined by the ability to rise above entrenched sectarian loyalties and foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation. Shettima’s approach is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in a pragmatic understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape and the pressing need for leaders who can navigate these intricacies with both wisdom and courage.
The Vice President remained committed by prioritizing national unity and inclusivity, even when faced with potential backlash from entrenched interests. By demonstrating a willingness to engage with diverse communities and advocate for equitable representation, Shettima exemplifies how faith can be harnessed as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool. By prioritizing a leadership style that embraces diversity, Shettima challenges the status quo and inspires hope for a political culture that values cooperation over conflict.
This vision aligns with the notion that true leadership requires courage to enact meaningful change and a dedication to principles that transcend immediate political expediency. By fostering an inclusive political environment, Shettima not only highlights the potential for faith to act as a bridge across divides but also demonstrates an understanding that true progress in Nigeria hinges on leaders who are willing to prioritize long-term national stability over short-term political gains, a sentiment echoed by those who champion the need for leaders who embody both integrity and a vision for inclusive governance.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/national-orthopaedic-hospital-jalingo-gets-chief-medical-director/
Shettima’s approach to governance, marked by a deliberate effort to balance religious and regional representation, serves as a testament to his belief in the power of inclusive politics to foster national cohesion. By navigating the complex interplay of religion and politics with a focus on fairness and representation, Shettima underscores the potential for faith to facilitate dialogue and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse populace. Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political appointments, as evidenced by his advocacy for a Southern Christian Senate President despite potential controversy, reflect his commitment to fostering national unity and countering religious bias. Shettima’s vision for governance, therefore, emphasizes the importance of transcending religious and regional biases to create a political landscape where diverse voices contribute to national development.
His advocacy for equitable representation is a pragmatic approach to addressing the historical imbalances that have often fueled distrust and division among Nigeria’s ethnic and religious groups. His leadership philosophy, thus, not only challenges the status quo but also aims to redefine the political narrative by fostering an environment where every Nigerian feels represented and valued. Shettima’s leadership, therefore, becomes a beacon of hope in a political landscape often marred by division and distrust.
In this context, Shettima’s leadership is not only a reflection of his personal beliefs but also a strategic response to the broader challenges of religious bigotry and political imbalance in Nigeria. His approach, as observed in his recent initiatives, is a testament to his belief that sustainable progress can only be achieved through genuine collaboration and understanding among Nigeria’s multifaceted communities. Shettima’s endeavors, as highlighted by his leadership style, underscore a profound understanding that true progress in Nigeria is contingent upon dismantling the barriers of division and fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect among its citizens. His advocacy of balanced initiatives has sparked significant discussion, illustrating his willingness to prioritize national unity over parochial interests.
Shettima’s efforts to promote inclusivity and balance in political representation highlight his commitment to addressing the deep-seated issues of religious and ethnic division, demonstrating a leadership style that prioritizes unity over divisiveness. Shettima’s vision for a more cohesive Nigeria is not without its challenges, yet it reflects a strategic foresight that prioritizes long-term stability over short-term gains. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive political landscape is further reinforced by his efforts to engage with leaders across different regions and religious affiliations, promoting dialogue as a means to bridge the gaps that have long hindered national cohesion.
His actions resonate with a broader vision for a united Nigeria, where diversity is celebrated as a strength rather than perceived as an obstacle to progress. His approach, rooted in both fate and faith, suggests that leadership can transcend entrenched divisions by embracing a broader vision of national identity that is inclusive and equitable for all citizens.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima: Fate, Faith, and Lessons (1)
-
News1 year ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions3 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions3 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News1 year ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Columns1 year ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
ACADEMICS1 year ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Opinions1 year ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
-
Politics10 months ago
Kashim Shettima: Of Sentiments, Their Opinions, and the 21 billion Naira VP’s Official Resident