Columns
VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains

VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains
By Dr. James Bwala
Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, embodies the qualities of a hero navigating the complexities of governance in a nation fraught with challenges. Taking leadership by its steps, Shettina is particularly significant given Nigeria’s multifaceted socio-political landscape, marked by ethnic divisions and economic disparities. Despite unverified claims suggesting that his role is merely to appease regional factions, Shettima has demonstrated a commitment to national unity and stability that transcends mere political maneuvering.
Kashim Shettima’s proactive approach to economic development and security issues positions him as a pivotal figure in addressing Nigeria’s pressing challenges. His initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and promoting dialogue among diverse groups reflect his understanding of governance as a collective endeavor rather than an isolated function. By prioritizing collaboration over division, he exemplifies heroic leadership in tumultuous times.
Kashim Shettima’s private and political outings should be viewed through the lens of resilience and dedication to public service. His unwavering resolve amidst adversity qualifies him as a hero on a thousand mountains, embodying hope for a more unified Nigeria. While some critics may argue that his efforts are merely symbolic or politically motivated, it is undeniable that Shettima’s actions have sparked vital conversations about the future of Nigeria’s governance and development. His strategic vision for Nigeria’s future underscores his role as a leader who not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term prosperity and cohesion.
Shettima’s ability to navigate complex political terrains while maintaining a focus on inclusive progress demonstrates a level of statesmanship that is both rare and essential in today’s Nigeria. His efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promote transparency further highlight his commitment to fostering a stable and prosperous nation. His ability to inspire trust and cooperation among various political and social factions further cements his status as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s evolving landscape.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, Shettima’s leadership serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of visionary governance. His commitment to bridging divides and fostering dialogue among Nigeria’s diverse communities illustrates a leadership style that prioritizes unity over division. By prioritizing dialogue and collaboration, Shettima exemplifies the type of leadership that is crucial for addressing Nigeria’s challenges in a manner that unites rather than divides its people.
Unwavering dedication to national unity and development, Kashmiris exemplified by his initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities and fostering economic growth across all regions of Nigeria. His visionary approach has not only led to significant policy reforms but also encouraged a culture of accountability and inclusivity within the government. His efforts in promoting educational initiatives and improving infrastructure have paved the way for a more prosperous future, demonstrating his commitment to uplifting all sectors of society.
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Kashim Shettima’s leadership style, characterized by empathy and strategic foresight, has garnered respect both domestically and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in Nigerian politics. His dedication to fostering unity among diverse communities has further underscored his role as a bridge-builder in a nation marked by its rich cultural tapestry. Through his proactive initiatives, such as promoting inclusive economic policies and prioritizing education, Shettima has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s future.
Through his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Shettima has become a symbol of resilience and progress amidst the challenges facing the nation. His influence extends beyond political boundaries, inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace principles of transparency and innovation in governance. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes and address pressing national issues with pragmatism and integrity continues to inspire confidence in his leadership. His steadfast commitment to fostering economic diversification and reducing dependency on oil revenues has positioned him as a key architect in reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. His strategic initiatives in enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting local industries have not only stimulated economic growth but also empowered communities, fostering self-reliance and innovation across the nation.
Kashim Shettima’s emphasis on technological innovation as a catalyst for economic transformation has further cemented his status as a forward-thinking leader. His efforts in promoting peace and stability have also been crucial in addressing regional conflicts and fostering a climate of trust and cooperation among states. His dedication to fostering educational opportunities for all, particularly in underserved regions, underscores his belief in education as the cornerstone of national development.
His commitment to inclusive governance and social justice has further demonstrated his dedication to creating a more equitable society for all Nigerians. His unwavering dedication to national unity and his efforts in bridging ethnic and religious divides have further solidified his legacy as a unifying force within the country. His proactive approach in engaging with international partners has further enhanced Nigeria’s diplomatic standing. His visionary leadership and tireless advocacy for sustainable development have garnered him respect both domestically and internationally, further elevating Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.
The vice president has demonstrated leadership in addressing climate change challenges and promoting sustainable energy solutions; this has also demonstrated his commitment to a greener future for Nigeria, aligning the nation with global environmental goals. His strategic initiatives in infrastructure development have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also facilitated regional trade, enhancing economic ties with neighboring countries. His efforts have not only focused on domestic achievements but also on strengthening Nigeria’s role as a pivotal player in regional and international peacekeeping missions. His ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes with tact and diplomacy has further cemented his status as a hero on the international stage. His transformative policies in healthcare have increased access to medical services, significantly improving the quality of life for countless Nigerians.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima: A hero on a thousand mountains
Columns
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?

Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
By: Balami Lazarus
When I heard of the killings of the innocent travelers that happened at Manjul in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, who are my brothers and sisters? I sat down and began to think, trying to reason out why and what the rationale is behind these killings. My thought raised so many questions regarding this brutal murder, ruling out some motives. But political motive kept whispering, telling me the rationale is politically motivated considering the quantum of killings on the Plateau in places like Bokkos, Bassa, and Mangu, which has become a vicious cycle in these areas. And in addition, there were utterances from some politicians complicating issues.
I hereby condole with the families of my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Samaru, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) community main campus Samaru who lost their lives in the Mangun brutal killings of 20th June, 2025, on their way to Qua-anpan for a wedding. May their souls rest in peace.
The killings of these innocent Nigerians were carried out with no reason or cause, neither threat nor provocation of any kind, much lessreligion or ethnicity, as some irrational persons want us to believe. I stand and write with the power of the pen to say in print that the sentiments aforementioned are far and kept away from such unfortunate incidents, which have been peddled around by some enemies of peace and progress on the Plateau.
It is on record that so many Nigerians have condemned in totality the killings of these innocent travelers. While the government and the good people of Plateau State have long condemned this act in strong terms. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration has properly condoled and sympathized with the government and people of Kaduna State, including the management and staff of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. In his effort as the executive governor, Mutfwang is working tirelessly to see that justice takes its course on those involved in this crime. Besides, his administration is making an effort to compensate the affected families, according to sources.
It might surprise some readers why I emotionally addressed those murdered as my brothers and sisters from Zaria-Basawa, Hayin Dogo (Kallo Kura), Samaru, and ABU main campus, which are integral parts of the Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. I am an indigene of Zaria, having been born and bred outside the ganuwa (city walls) of the ancient Zaria city in Gaskiya, Kongo, ABU main campus, and Samaru, all addressed as Zaria, where I had my childhood spree. Therefore, I will not be queried by identifying with the deceased and their families as my own people, for we are linked one way or the other.
Let me hereinafter tell you why I suspect political motive was behind these killings of the travelers in Mangun-Mangu. I partly grew up on the Plateau, shuttling between Jos and Sharam in Kanke Local Government Area as a student and still living in Jos. Moreover, I have some good understanding of the people, their sociopolitical and economic happenings, and their dynamics on the one hand. And I once led a political group on the other. The utterances of some politicians and their cohorts/allies are questionable because they are not happy with the people-oriented projects of the Caleb Mutfwang administration. And that they were accused of sponsoring the killings going on in the state. The case of Mangun, 20th June, 2025, holds water going by the alleged accusations and the kind of politics playing out in Plateau State.
Findings have revealed that there were interventions by some youth leaders, elders, and vigilantes who risked their lives trying to stop this group of rascals from carrying out the killings and burning of the bus belonging to ABU conveying the victims for a wedding at Qua-anpan. In fact, some were burnt—men, women, and children. Others were rescued with various degrees of injuries. Reports put the total dead at 8 persons. While 12 were injured, some survived. The good news making rounds is the arrest of over 20 suspects believed to be behind these gruesome killings of the Zaria travelers.
Thus, this incident has no doubt painted Plateau State in a bad light as one of the major flashpoint states where killers of innocent travelers reside. Well, I will not blame them because this is not the first. However, this particular one is painfully shrouded in a bitter political atmosphere between some gladiators who are not at peace with the positive developments in the state. Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang as the change driver.
Yes, there are insecurity challenges on the Plateau, where apprehension and naked suspicion are everywhere, prompting the citizens to be extremely cautious and always on alert. However, if young men can channel their collective energies as a force towards the insecurity bedeviling the state instead of engaging in political thuggery, drugs, and criminality, there will be a change in their lives and the entire system.
Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290
Mangun Gruesome Killings: What is the Rational Behind this Act?
Columns
Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio

Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio
By: Balami Lazarus
Osama. Does it ring a bell? Yes, it does on the Plateau. The Osama I am writing about is that individual who is known for his good works for humanity on the radio and outside the studio. Osama is a gentleman but is outspoken and has a mind of his own.
My Osama in this context is a personality, a brand, and a trademark. Osama is a broadcaster, radio presenter, and popular comedian on stage and in the entertainment industry in Jos-Plateau and beyond. Since the writing is sailing, I will later reveal the identity of who this young man is and why he is so passionate about good governance.
The fights for human rights, social justice, and good governance have been the cries and topic of discourse of so many Nigerians, especially good governance. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights activists are the leaders in these struggles, whereby their roles cannot be overemphasized. The quantum of spoken words, public lectures/enlightenment programs, workshops, seminars, etc., has not brought many changes in our systems because there was little or no action by you and me as Nigerians.
I remembered when I was very active in the struggle for human rights and social justice. As Deputy Secretary General (DSG) of Democratic Alternative (DA), we were much concerned with democratic alternative processes and social justice with a whiff of good governance, and this has been the case for some NGOs, as I know.
I came to understand from my experiences that, as a country, we have good public-oriented programs, but our major challenges are implementation and follow-up that come with too many talks but no individual action or collective responsibility because many Nigerians are fearful, and this has made me a one-man advocate/crusader for human rights and social justice. Like the subject of this work.
Now back to the subject. Osama is a brand package, fearless advocate, and mouthpiece for good governance on the Plateau through Town Hall, a popular radio program aired by JFM 101.9 FM. Jos is widely listened to. He was born as Ehis Akugnonu. But Osama has overtaken his certified name. Therefore, my continued use of Osama is justified in this work because I realized that many times your other name (also known as) tends to dominate and overshadow your real name.
Osama is redefining the fight for good governance by personal efforts through follow-up and speaking on them, putting the government on their feet to improve and do better. ‘I am for good governance, and I will continue to speak on this matter.’ He is purposefully driven by his passion for good quality and better systems to have an enabling environment where the systems are working for progress and development.
Balami, a publisher/columnist 08036779290
Osama, For Good Governance and Social Justice Through the Radio
Columns
In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)

In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)
By: Balami Lazarus
I saw it coming. As a writer, my works and I have been verbally attacked several times. I raised an eyebrow at how some readers react by using bad language on issues, opinions, and views. Well, that is their way of expression when they are displeased, but I feel it is grotty.
And here is the conclusion of the “controversial piece,” as one caller puts it. For me, there is nothing controversial about this discourse but the truth of the grotesque happenings in married homes. And the way out, as I earlier wrote, is divorce.
Recently there has been an inflation of brutal murders in marriages; those killed are mostly women and children, and fewer men. What justification does one have to continue in a marriage where there are threats, violence, and unhappiness generated by the presence of either the husband or the wife? And unknowingly one becomes prey hunted by an in-house predator.
Sharks areamong the most intelligent aquatic animals. Their sense of smell is very sharp; they can smell and detect blood or any red object in water from a far distance and come for it at near the speed of light. Therefore, women’s body chemistry is like that of sharks; they sense and notice things easily. But what is wrong with many of them in marriage that they are unable to detect landmines or red flags early in their marriages? Where there is a threat to life with the intention to hurt, harm, and/or cause grievous injury or death, that is when they realize they are living in gross bondage if they are lucky to come out of it alive.
As students at Pluto College Sharam in Kanke-Plateau State, we were told and made to understand as boys to treat our girl students with love and care and be there for them when the need arises. That was one of the lessons that came from the late Dr. Sumaila Ndayako (Rector), as he was known and called. As boys, we dared not humiliate, insult, or threaten them in any way; rather, we were to take them as our sisters by extension. This has taught me to respect and care for the opposite sex.
Moreover, my association, membership, and experience with some human rights organizations have enlightened me with rights, liberties, and freedom garnished by respect for individual differences, rights and privileges, consent, and action. With this knowledge put together, I consider marriage never a do-or-die affair but a privilege with consent to be a husband to a woman who also has rights/consent to be a wife and live in matrimony. Why then humiliation, abuses, and domestic violence?
I have observed in my experience as a married man that if you take away some women from their husbands, they will die, and vice versa. Despite the domestic violence and abuses inflicted on either party, he/she is willing and prefers to die in such gothic marriage situations because one among them has a deep spiritual attachment to the marriage. This is common in Christendom, where “till death do us part.” My question here is, what kind of death? Intentional, accidental, or natural? This created injunction clause does not hold water in life-threatening marriages.
Living in a shark-jaws marriage, I always blamed women who had seen the red flags but refused to leave such marriages and the house-husband (husband). I further came to understand that patience and the pretext that all is well have caused damage to both spouses in terms of emotional and traumatic agonies and some to their graves.
Therefore, spouses that are trapped in this valley of death with its quagmire should know that marriage is a thing of choice. Likewise, divorce is permissible as a panacea for both to be alive to breathe freely.
Balami, a publisher/columnist, 0803677929
In Marriage Nest, Spouses Are Dying Ignoring Red Flags and The Panacea (2)
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