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
Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré and the Revolution of IllusionsThree years after taking power, Traoré’s populist showmanship and defiant rhetoric mask a grim reality of insecurity, poverty, and political isolation — far from the Sankarist revival he promises.
Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré and the Revolution of Illusions
Three years after taking power, Traoré’s populist showmanship and defiant rhetoric mask a grim reality of insecurity, poverty, and political isolation — far from the Sankarist revival he promises.
By Oumarou Sanou
Three years after seizing power, Burkina Faso’s strongman, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, continues to project himself as the torchbearer of a new African revolution — a reincarnation of the late Thomas Sankara. Yet, his recent performance, marking his third anniversary in power, revealed more theatre than substance. It was less a presidential address and more a self-congratulatory monologue filled with sweeping claims, imagined enemies, and revolutionary soundbites detached from the harsh realities on the ground.
Facing a carefully selected group of journalists — those unlikely to ask uncomfortable questions — Traoré transformed what should have been a serious state briefing into a one-man show. His tone was confident, even prophetic, yet far removed from the desperation of a nation caught in the grip of terrorism, poverty, and displacement.
Traoré opened with drama: when he came to power, he claimed, the Burkinabe army had “barely a hundred weapons and 100,000 cartridges.” Such exaggerations might thrill loyalists but stretch credibility. Even local hunters would scoff at such arithmetic. Yet, the captain reassured his listeners that 15,000 men are now recruited annually and that Burkina Faso will soon “make its own weapons.”
How, and with what resources? There were no details — no factories, no engineers, no budget. It was a familiar populist pattern: imagination over implementation, rhetoric over realism.
Then came a moment of unintended honesty. “Politics in Africa,” Traoré lectured, “is the art of lying, deceiving, and flattering.” Was this a denunciation of the old political elite, a confession of his own methods, or the mission statement of his self-styled “Progressive Popular Revolution”?
Pressed for specifics, Traoré was blunt: “I’m not going to tell you the exact content.” In other words, the people are expected to believe in a revolution whose goals remain secret. It is governance through mystique — a convenient cloak for opacity and improvisation.
Perhaps the highlight — or low point — of the press conference came with the grand economic announcement: a tomato processing plant. While jihadists overrun villages and thousands of civilians flee daily, the government’s big victory was the promise of locally made tomato paste.
Agricultural processing is undoubtedly essential. But in a nation where more than half of the territory is under terrorist control, the symbolism felt jarring. The message seemed to be: Burkina may not be safe, but at least it will have sauce.
When policies fail, populists find scapegoats. In Traoré’s narrative, the Ivory Coast has now become the enemy. He accused Abidjan of serving as “the rear base of Burkina’s enemies” and even suggested that President Alassane Ouattara had signed a “non-aggression pact” with jihadists.
Such allegations are not just far-fetched — they are dangerous. They strain regional diplomacy, alienate neighbours, and distract from the government’s inability to secure its own borders. Ironically, when a journalist cited a poll showing that 66% of Ivorians viewed Burkina Faso’s leadership favourably, Traoré shrugged: “Really? I don’t follow that… I don’t watch those media outlets anymore.”
This was revealing. In a state where the media is censored and dissent suppressed, even positive news struggles to reach the leader’s ears. Traoré appears trapped within his own echo chamber — and Burkina Faso with him.
Three years on, the outcomes are damning. Burkina Faso remains the most terrorised country in the world. Thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and much of the countryside is beyond state control. Schools are closed, health centres are abandoned, and basic livelihoods are destroyed.
Despite fiery anti-Western speeches and his warm embrace of Moscow, little has changed on the ground. Russian mercenaries and propaganda can amplify slogans, but they cannot rebuild schools, protect farmers, or restart an economy in free fall.
And now, with Burkina Faso — alongside Niger and Mali — having withdrawn from ECOWAS, the country faces deepening isolation. What Traoré brands as “sovereign independence” increasingly looks like self-imposed solitude. Without regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, or trade partnerships, Burkina Faso risks turning into a garrison state — fortified in rhetoric but hollow in results.
In just three hours of speaking, Captain Traoré managed to: turn the Ivory Coast into the supposed headquarters of Sahel’s villains; declare tomato paste the new pillar of national resilience; and redefine politics as the art of deception.
But beyond the theatre, Burkina Faso continues to bleed. The ordinary people — farmers, students, traders, and families — pay the real price for this illusion of revolution.
Traoré may parade as the new Sankara, but three years on, his “revolution” looks more like a parody than a legacy. The real revolution Burkina Faso needs today is not one of slogans or posturing, but of results — restoring security, rebuilding trust, and reviving governance.
Until then, Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s revolution remains exactly what it appears to be: a show more than a solution.
Oumarou Sanou
Social critic, Pan-African observer and researcher focusing on governance, security, and political transitions in the Sahel. He writes on geopolitics, regional stability, and the evolving dynamics of African leadership. Contact: sanououmarou386@gmail.com
Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré and the Revolution of Illusions
Three years after taking power, Traoré’s populist showmanship and defiant rhetoric mask a grim reality of insecurity, poverty, and political isolation — far from the Sankarist revival he promises.
Columns
Pharm. Samuel Ishaya Gyang: Compass for Future Dividends of Political Democracy
Pharm. Samuel Ishaya Gyang: Compass for Future Dividends of Political Democracy
By: Balami Lazarus
I have been for youths’ growth and progress in either trades, vocations, professions, or any other legitimate endeavors that will self-empower them or be contributions to their communities later in life.
Before this write-up, I made several attempts to meet and speak with one of the young politicians on the Plateau, but all my efforts failed. Therefore, I decided to put down what I knew personally about the aforementioned political personality and equally what I was able to gather from investigations about this young politician in question who belongs to the youth gallery of politicians on the Plateau.
These young politicians are educated, energetic, focused, and professionals in their chosen careers. They are full of ideas of good governance, excellent blueprints, and roadmaps to future human and capital developments for progress in the realms of our political democracy with clarity of purpose and objectives that reflects our country’s motto, ‘unity and faith, peace and progress.’
The 1999 phase of our political democracy has ushered in mass numbers of youths into the political space, where they are actively participating in meaningful politicking, aspiring for elective positions under a political party of their choice, but with the passage of time, 25 years down the democratic line, we have seen and experienced the contributions of these young, able politicians with a quantum leap in political activities and contributions. Today you find them some elective positions, some with political appointments at both state and federal levels. Unlike in past years, where it was uncommon to find youths as young politicians occupying elective positions, talk less of political appointments. Rather, they are used as political thugs and later dumped when elections are over.
But here on the Plateau, this new dawn has provided the youths who are purposeful the chance and space to participate and vie for political offices, having fulfilled all necessary requirements. I hereby in this work correctly, sincerely, and truthfully declare and attest as to it as a political affidavit that you can find them in many political elective offices and appointments as council chairmen, secretaries, members of assembly aides, and councillors, to mention but a few.
Moreover, my political findings have clearly revealed that Plateau State is a common ground for youth in politics. And more importantly, it has been a healthy launching pad where many more shall reach higher elective positions.
Hon. (Pharm) Samuel Ishaya Gyang is one among such young politicians on the Plateau that has willingly decided to offer himself to serve his people through politics. Investigations have shown that Samuel Gyang is well accepted by the larger members of his community/constituency—Jos Northwest. And to a larger extent, Pharmacist Gyang has gone beyond the Jos North Local Government Area, where he served as secretary with good political records of performance. ‘We have felt him in the distributions of fertilizers in the local government.’
Political rumors going around said that Hon. Samuel Ishaya Gyang is likely to contest once again for the House of Assembly, Jos Northwestconstituency.
Well, there is nothing bad in that. The political spreadsheet is wide and large enough to contain aspirants. Samuel Gyang, keep up the good work and aspire for other high political offices.
Balami, a publisher/columnist. 08036779290
Pharm. Samuel Ishaya Gyang: Compass for Future Dividends of Political Democracy
Columns
My binoculars: Nigeria’s lingering security Challenges 65 years after, DAPOWA and General Musa’s non Kinetic approach to ending the brutal wars
My binoculars: Nigeria’s lingering security Challenges 65 years after, DAPOWA and General Musa’s non Kinetic approach to ending the brutal wars
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Watchers of war campaigns in the different theatres in the country can easily tell you that if there is any active celebrated warrior against insurgents in Nigeria today, it is General Chris Musa, Nigeria’s Defense Chief. As a matter of fact, if Army headquarters had allowed this General to stay a year longer in the Hadin Kai theatre as Commander (TC), the war in the North East of the country would have ended using the kinetic. This is because, just before his transfer to the respected infantry corp, he had concluded plans to go after the insurgents in the belly of the Tumbus Islands which had always been the most difficult terrain in the lake Chad for previous TCs who had dared to walk the north east of Nigeria.
The Hadin kai war theatre has seen quite a number of Major Generals since the command and control centre of the entire military was moved from Abuja to Maiduguri. Army Generals like Chris Musa came around during a terrible period of the history of the war. Manpower was at its lowest ebb while other theatres in the country needed more boots on the ground too. Equipment was not enough to effectively stand up to the back and forth being encountered in the front lines of the Hadin kai theatre. The list goes on and on and 16 October ones have passed by with the military cemetery on baga road keeps expanding yet no end in sight.
We the war correspondents had a litany of woes to narrate each time our troops were hurt and some buried like it happened in Metele. Others were merely missing in action like it happened during the Vietnamese war. Now that we have a palace full of generals, it is no longer a case of using the theatres as practicals for the boys. Most of the generals who saw wars in Freetown, Port Loko, Bo, Moyamba, Monrovia up to the failed Sudan are struggling to pin their troops down.
Stabilizing the uncertainties in the Palace
General Farouk Yahaya had just started to understand the terrain and tactical inadequacies in terms of logistics and men in the Hadin Kai theatre. The then serving Army Chief Attahiru suddenly dies in a plane crash. There was deep uncertainty in the Palace because so many Generals saw themselves as qualified to take over his position. But General Farouk had to proceed when it was clear that he must move from the front line to head the Army as the new Chief following the demise of Chief Attahiru in the plane crash. Thus creating the vacancy for General Chris Musa who had become the new TC. General Musa was fortunate, he came to replace General Farouk Yahaya who had to leave the theatre suddenly to become the nation’s Army Chief. For us watchers, we knew that this sudden twist with fortune was when oga Farouk had a complete overview of the realities on ground and how to counter same. Happily, that was why some of us felt very safe with the disposition and management style of the new TC then General Chris Musa.
Of course, he was getting better equipment from his predecessor General Farouk who knew where the shoe pinches, having had a very close shave with war confrontation on the frontline with the insurgents. All the Generals who had worked in the command and control centre here in Maiduguri as TC’s had their strengths and weaknesses. Watchers could easily sense these idiosyncratic tendencies by the way they respond to embarrassing situations like the mistakes of their field commanders who lost equipment and men. Or the way some carried the media as vital partners in the war against terror.
Between the sudden deaths of Chiefs Attahiru and Labaja there was an interregnum of Commanders displaying their strength and weaknesses by the way they handled the Kinetic and non kinetic.But the Chiefs appointed to the Palace never lost focus which is ending the war till this day that General Abdulsalam Abubakar another celebrated warrior is the TC.
Painfully, for over fifteen years of fighting however, the military had struggled to end the existence of boko haram insurgents in the north east theatre but like an infectious epidemic, the irritants have refused to give up. The more they are taken out or degraded, the more they find a way to recreate themselves. This back and fourth made nonsense of the efforts of some of these fine officers who have served the country here. Most of the TC’s mixed the kinetic and non kinetic while some maintained their grip specifically with the kinetic because their political masters obviously will not negotiate with terrorists. But how long shall we go on fighting a non conventional war like this? Does the political leadership of this country have a plan B to avoid this mounting loss of resources?
Improving on the infusion of the non kinetic as a matter of policy in Counter Terrorism
For the last decade I have watched this war in the theatre, one can easily pick out those TC’s who had grip of the kinetic and non kinetic. General Musa was a strong kinetic advocate whose vision was to end the war in record time. Army policy on how long they stay in the front line deprived us of his on the spot expertise to march troops into the Tumbus.
He however started developing non kinetic blue prints by involving the media in all his doings before leaving. He had a generation of religious people he used to reach out to till this day for them to assist in stopping their wards from being radicalized by the insurgents. He was responsive to the little things that touched on the life of troops.
But for how long will this policy of the kinetic from the military continue in the face of lingering resistance from the insurgents in this asymmetric warfare? Is it possible to win this war with only the kinetic focus which the former and present Commander in Chief are obviously insisting on? Is it not getting to the time to return to the table which has refused to turn in spite of the billions of naira that has been sunk into logistics and the procurement of superior platforms? For watchers of events in the entire theatre, it is actually not as if there has not been a deliberate policy for the non kinetic. It’s just that the burden of application was left on the shoulders of each Theatre Commander as an albatross which they needed to carry as they managed this strange war.
This is obviously why the present Defense Chief General Musa, is now leading from the front on a serious campaign aimed at stepping up the non Kinetic objective to end the war. He recently launched a book titled: ‘Taking A Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria, Admonition to Nigerian Youths’ which was authored by him for the young people within the nation’s war theatres. Even though such a book would be read mostly by students who can read and write, it will surely go a long way in helping out so that such age brackets who are mostly generation Zees would not have to be lured into being radicalized like the corp member who was seized by the insurgents only for him to get to the edge of his freedom which he ultimately rejected and returned to the insurgents whom he called his brothers when doors of freedom was opened for him. Nobody knows if he is still alive out there today.
Why the government should support the building of a fence on our borderline to end insurgency
Recently again, Defence Chief General Musa called for the country’s borders with its four neighbors to be completely fenced to curb the entrance of armed groups amid escalating insecurity.
He made this call in the light of the fact that the military has been over stretched by massive security issues which has sent hundreds of people to the great beyond. General Musa maintained that “border management is very critical,” citing countries like Pakistan with 1,350 km fence with Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia having a 1,400 km barrier with Iraq as successful precedents. This to the General is the first time a top Nigerian official has publicly suggested such a measure to safeguard its sovereignty with other countries, because of the level of insecurity.
Nigeria he pointed borders Niger Republic, Cameroon, Benin, and Chad, which are all grappling with escalating insurgent campaigns across the Sahel. Nigeria’s longest border (1,975 km) is with Cameroon. It also shares 1,500 km with Niger and 85 km with Chad. There is no reason why such a fence should not be built. As a matter of fact, it would create massive employment for hundreds of young people who otherwise would have taken up arms against their own people. This fence General Musa is advocating for can be built purely from the social responsibility of the numerous billionaires the nation has paraded since independence. When this is built, we would have less casualties in the front lines and less women will become widows nation wide.
DEPOWA’s plans for a College or Academy in Abuja for orphans of service personnel.
Meanwhile, in the spirit of the ongoing non kinetic campaign led by the defense chief, his wife Lilian Musa has said that the Association plans a big academy to take care of children of fallen heroes. She made the pronouncement when she came to Maiduguri recently to flag off a thank you campaign for troops who have been sacrificing their lives for the country. Lilian said that the master piece edifice will be completed in phases because of the largeness adding that phase one will be completed in September 2027. Just two years from now. “Every qualified child of a fallen hero will receive automatic scholarship in the school. 100% of kids of fallen heroes will receive scholarship to attend schools nationwide. This from my binoculars is a noble way to reach out to troops who always feel unhappy with the dynamics surrounding their welfare.
Showing gratitude to troops
Lilian appealed to the people to actually see the pains of troops who daily sacrifice their lives nationwide. He expressed satisfaction for the campaign which has just been flagged off in this particular theatre. To this lady who has seen it all in the barracks, the nation must continue to show gratitude to troops for the endless sacrifice and risks they keep taking to keep the people safe.
” Let’s make thank you to troops a household slogan nationwide. As a wife of a soldier, i understands the pains of the troops especially what they have been doing which is why we are around to say thank you in our own way. This thank you tour is actually going to be a movement aimed at bridging the gap between the civil and military sector so that there would synergy.
“I believe also that the media is a critical partner which is why we are having this parley and which is why I want to call upon you to be deeply involved in sharing our campaign stories and visuals to the populace.”
Madam Lilian Commended Governor Babagana Zulum for his support for the troops in the theatre. She said that she was on a nationwide thank you tour and is actually flagging it off from Hadin Kai because of the importance of the theatre to the stability of the country. While weeping openly to sympathize with families who have lost loved ones, Lilian noted that she will God’s willing extend the “thank you” campaign to all active theatres where troops have been fighting to rid the nation of criminals.
My binoculars: Nigeria’s lingering security Challenges 65 years after, DAPOWA and General Musa’s non Kinetic approach to ending the brutal wars
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