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VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges

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VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges

** Says President Tinubu engraving new era of economic discipline, policy clarity

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said there is an urgent need for institutional reforms as the foundation for solving the majority of Nigeria’s public policy challenges.

According to him, strengthening the nation’s institutional frameworks would address 80 per cent of Nigeria’s public policy challenges.

The Vice President stated this on Monday during the official presentation of the draft National Public Policy Development and Management Framework by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination/Head of the Central Results Delivery and Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman.

VP Shettima described the new policy framework as a transformative approach that has been “long overdue” in Nigeria’s governance architecture.

“If we get our institutional frameworks right, we will solve 80% of our public policy challenges. This approach is long overdue,” he said.

The Vice President called for a national reset in the way public policy is conceived, communicated, and implemented, noting that the mitochondria of every government is a workable national public policy.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, VP Shettima praised the President’s unique blend of public and private sector experience and his readiness to implement bold reforms.

“For the first time, we have a leader who understands the dynamics and speaks the language of economics. He has the courage to take far-reaching decisions. We cannot but commend President Tinubu for his very promising reforms across all sectors of the national economy,” he said.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of policy clarity and communication, pointing out that reforms must be clearly understood by the public and consistently implemented across all tiers of government.

Highlighting the role of e-governance and digitisation, VP Shettima advocated for data-driven policy execution and real-time monitoring, just as he also called for enforceable consequences within the policy framework.

“There must be targets and deliverables; if people fail to perform, they should be made to pay the price. Implementation without accountability is another word for lunacy. People must be made to account for their stewardship,” the VP said.

Emphasising the need to build strong institutions over reliance on individual leaders, the Senator drew a leaf from former United States President Barack Obama, saying, “Like former President Barack Obama said, what nations need is not strong characters or leaders, but strong institutions — institutions guided by strong, fair, and acceptable laws.”

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, told the Vice President that the draft National Policy Development Framework was conceived by the realisation that the federal government had no document that conceptualised government policies.

“It is interesting, Your Excellency, to know that at the beginning of this administration, it was quite baffling that the federal government did not have a guiding document which specifies the process by which policies should be conceptualised.

“Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government had been operating in silos, often producing overlapping and outdated policies. This has led to fragmentation, policy inconsistency, duplication of efforts, and ultimately inefficiency in the government’s endeavours.

“These challenges have not only impeded the realisation of government goals, but it has also weakened public trust and discouraged investor confidence. Recognising this urgency and the need to address these systemic issues is what enabled us, as a team, to initiate this process,” she stated.

Hajiya Usman, however, expressed confidence that the Draft National Policy Development Framework will address deep-rooted challenges of policy management and lack of coherence and consistency across MDAs.

The Draft National Policy Development Framework, she noted, is the result of extensive collaboration between her office, Office of the Vice President, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the National Economic Summit Group.

The Presidential Aide assured that with the input of the Vice President, the draft framework will provide the much-needed clarity, structure, and coherence that will enable the development of policies with clear intent.

VP Shettima: Our Institutional Policy Reforms Will Solve 80% Of Nigeria’s Bureaucratic Challenges

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Military

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.

“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.

According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.

He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.

The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.

He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.

On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.

He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.

“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

By: Michael Mike

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) has bridged the cultural gap with Nigeria by hosting the 13th Korean Film Festival in Abuja from August 21st to 23rd, 2025.

The festival aimed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties through the universal language of cinema .

This three-day event showcased a selection of remarkable Korean films, offering Nigerian audiences a unique window into Korean society, values, and dreams, beyond just entertainment.

Director of the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria , Mr. Jeon Juho, emphasized the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural ties.

He highlighted that the event is not merely about film screenings but about fostering deeper connections between the two nations.

“This festival isn’t just about watching movies. It is about building bridges between Nigeria and Korea, between culture and community, through the powerful medium of films,” Jeon stated.

He further elaborated on the festival’s offerings, noting that: “We will showcase live Korean remarkable films, each offering a unique window into the heart of Korean society, each value, each struggle, each dream.”

These narratives, he explained, transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, connecting audiences through shared human experiences.

The Permanent Secretary for Creative Economy, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, represented by Samuel Okpevo, highlighted the festival’s role in strengthening Nigeria-Korea cultural relations.

“This event highlights shared cultural ties and affinities and also the dance can foster people-to-people connections,” Okpevo stated.

He encouraged attendees to engage with the festival’s offerings, emphasizing its potential to inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers. “Ladies and gentlemen are hereby enjoying us to key into this event, the Korean Cultural Festival history and values which can inspire Nigerian artists and filmmakers,” he urged.

Okpevo also expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

“As I conclude, I encourage all the guests to enjoy the festival, learn from each other, forge meaningful connections. Together we can promote cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. I wish to thank the organizers of this great event for building a successful event of this magnitude, solidifying cultural ties between both countries.”

He acknowledged the significance of cultural events like the Korean Film Festival in enhancing bilateral ties.

“Let me also at this junction refer to this event for strengthening cultural ties between both countries, Nigeria and the Korean people,” he remarked.

Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festival Association (NFFA), Uche Agbo,, commended the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN) for its efforts in promoting cultural exchange through cinema.

“What is being done today here is very significant and to me worthy of emulation,” Agbo remarked.

“I believe and I hope all the cultural centers that are here present or that are represented can replicate such because it offers us as filmmakers an opportunity to tap into the world of cinema of the country that is being projected.”

He further encouraged other embassies to organize similar events, stating, “I will encourage more of this from various other embassies if I may put it that way.”

Expressing the NFFA’s willingness to collaborate, Agbo added, “The Nigerian Film Festival Association as an umbrella body representing the entire film festivals in the country will want to further engage on how we can promote what we are doing here today and we are more than willing to cooperate in that regard.”

Nigeria, Korea strengthen cultural ties through film

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

By Augustine Wereuche Praise

As an international student studying in China, I’ve always been fascinated by how technology bridges culture and shapes our shared future. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Unitree Robotics, one of China’s most exciting robotics companies. Accompanied by faculty members and Chinese students, I stepped into a realm where machines are not only smart but also mobile, agile, and surprisingly lifelike.

 
Unitree has gained global attention for its cutting-edge robots, particularly its quadruped models that resemble dogs and humanoid robots capable of walking. During the visit, we were shown these innovations up close.
The humanoid robot was activated first. It began walking across the floor, its movements so fluid that it was easy to forget it wasn’t human. Each step was precise, balanced, and almost graceful. Watching it, I imagined how such robots could one day assist in environments too dangerous for humans.
Next came the quadruped robots—the “dog-like” machines. They captured everyone’s attention as they navigated stairs with remarkable ease. Designed for stability and adaptability, these robots demonstrated the potential for use in rescue missions, exploration, and even household assistance.
 

Most of the presentation was delivered in Chinese, which posed a language barrier for me. However, the power of technology transcended words. The demonstrations spoke for themselves, showing how engineering and design can create machines capable of interacting with the physical world in dynamic ways. With the help of my teacher, I was able to understand a few more about the growth and advancement the company has experienced. It was so amazing getting a firsthand information about the different challenges and adjustment the company has made to keep up with the varying demands of the market.

As I took photos, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these innovations represent more than technical achievement. They reflect humanity’s endless pursuit to build, to solve problems, and to make life better. For me, seeing these robots in action was like stepping into a scene from science fiction to reality
This visit also reminded me of the role education and international collaboration play in advancing technology. Being part of this experience as an international student underscored how innovation is a shared language.

Our visit ended with more demonstrations and a chance to observe the robots up close. I left Unitree feeling inspired, curious, and hopeful about the future. This visit transformed how I see my role as a Nigerian student in China’s tech ecosystem. We’re not just passive observers of innovation, but active participants in a global conversation that will define how these technologies integrate into our societies. The robots at Unitree moved with mechanical precision, but they represented something profoundly human – our endless capacity to imagine, create, and improve the world around us.

Augustine Wereuche Praise
majors in Communication Engineering at School of Artificial Intelligence at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China

From Science Fiction to Reality: A Glimpse into the Future at Unitree Robotics

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