News
RANDOM MUSING ON KASHIM SHETTIMA @58
RANDOM MUSING ON KASHIM SHETTIMA @58
By: Inuwa Bwala
Kashim Shettima, the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wanted a low-key birthday anniversary, but it is like trying to cover a bushel with bare palms.
For a person of Shettimas fame, he can not avoid being celebrated; especially by people, whose lives he may have positively affected: and I am one of them.
When I saw the notice by his spokesman, I smiled to myself and said, “If the vice president does not want to be celebrated on his birthday, then let him stop being good to people”.
Many people may not have the financial capacity to place adverts in newspapers or run radio and television messages, neither are there cakes to cut nor champagne to pop, but definitely, many people will mark the date in their own different ways.
I am not surprised at what I have seen so far, coming from different people this morning alone.
Kashim Shettima is like the parabolical baobab tree: you I can only analyze the portion visible to you, while others view it from their own positions.
From whichever position one looks at him, one can not miss the fact that Kashim Shettima is richly endowed, intellectually, politically; perhaps economically, and has a rich religious background. He is always passionate, humble, statemanly, philanthropic, flamboyant in appearance, and an oratorial delight in speech.
I stand to be corrected, but I think Kashim Shettima is one of the most widely connected politicians north of the Niger today, which accounts for why so many people loath his emergence as the political oracle, in the region, so to say.
At 58, Kashim Shettima is a mite younger, by months, but we have come a long way since our paths crossed.
To those of us, who are his peers, his friends, his school mates and his subordinates, Kashim Shettima is a rendezvous of sorts, as he has the contacts of virtually everybody whose paths crossed his and he reaches out periodically, as a reminder that he has not grown above us, even as the Vice President.
It is therefore difficult for him to shut us out even as he clocks 58 because we have been innaundating him with telephone calls and messages since yesterday and he has been promptly responding.
Having worked under him, in the process of which we sometimes disagreed, I must confess that I am yet to meet a boss who regards me more as a friend and brother than as a subordinate. Even in his present capacity, he calls to inquire about ones welbeing. He leaves his doors wide open whenever one visits.
At 58, he has risen from a humble background to become a national icon and a mentor to so many people.
As I join fellow Nigerians to celebrate our dear Vice President, it is my hope that you continue to be blessed with good health, strength, and wisdom, in serving Nigeria.
Happy 58th Birthday to His Excellency the Vice President, of the Federal Repiblic if Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
RANDOM MUSING ON KASHIM SHETTIMA @58
News
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global collaboration in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and transnational organised crime as officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) completed advanced training at the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony on Friday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the increasing sophistication of criminal networks across borders requires deeper international cooperation and a coordinated global offensive.
Marwa stressed that criminal syndicates no longer operate within isolated territories, making intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building among nations indispensable in dismantling drug cartels and organised crime groups.
The ceremony, held at the elite DEA Training Academy, brought together officers from Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya for an intensive programme designed to sharpen investigative, operational and strategic enforcement capabilities. Participants were equipped with advanced skills to combat complex drug trafficking networks and related transnational crimes.
Describing the event as deeply significant, Marwa noted that the course was dedicated to members of the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He paid tribute to the fallen officers, describing them as heroes whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Referencing the course motto, “Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” Marwa said it captured the collective resolve of partner countries against the global drug menace. He emphasised that only a unified, intelligence-driven response can effectively confront criminal enterprises that thrive on cross-border operations.
The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that the knowledge and competencies acquired by the graduating officers would significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of their respective agencies. He charged them to apply the training with integrity, professionalism and courage upon returning home, while upholding the highest standards of service.
Marwa also conveyed Nigeria’s appreciation to the United States Department of Justice, the DEA leadership and instructors for their continued mentorship and investment in capacity development.
He said the graduation marked not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility, urging the officers to protect vulnerable communities and confront criminality wherever it threatens societal stability.
Marwa expressed optimism that the partnership between the NDLEA and the DEA would continue to deepen, yielding sustained success in the shared fight against illicit drugs and organised crime.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
By: Our Reporter
Shortly after his bilateral discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Vice President Kashim Shettima moved on to a high-level meeting on Building Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The session, organized by Africa CDC and fully supported by the Nigerian government, convenes African leaders and health policymakers to chart the path toward strengthening the continent’s health emergency preparedness, response systems, and pharmaceutical independence.
Joining the Vice President at the meeting are key Nigerian officials including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yussuf Tuggar.
Other African health ministers in attendance include Dr. Ibrahim Sy of Senegal, Madalisto Baloyi of Malawi, and Dr. Mekdes Daba of Ethiopia.
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
By: Zagazola Makama
Five civilians were abducted on Feb. 12, 2026, by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Doro Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, the Police Command reported.
Sources disclosed that the victims, Alhaji Sani Boyi, Bullama Dan Umaru, Baba Inusa, Abubakar Jan Boris, and Mallam Shaibu, were taken while purchasing fresh fish at a local market around 7:00 a.m.
The troops of Sector 3 Operation HADIN KAI, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)/hunters immediately responded to the incident.
Relevant intelligence has been gathered, and search and rescue operations are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Global Anti-Drug War as NDLEA Officers Graduate from U.S. DEA Academy
VP Shettima Attends High-Level Meeting On Africa’s Health Security Sovereignty
ISWAP suspected in Baga abduction of five civilians
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