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We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima
We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has declared the federal government’s resolve to position the nation among top 80 countries on the global Human Capital Index (HCI) by building a healthier, better-educated, and empowered Nigeria.
The task, he said, is ambitious but quite achievable, just as he called on all Nigerians, including policymakers and community leaders, to embrace the Human Capital Development Programme.
VP Shettima stated this on Friday while inaugurating the HCD 2.0 Strategy during a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Human Capital Development Programme at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, “Our targets are ambitious, yet achievable. We aim to position Nigeria among the top 80 countries on the Human Capital Index, reaching a score of 0.6 by 2030.
“These metrics represent more than just numbers; they signify the real change in the lives of our people—access to quality healthcare, improved educational outcomes, expanded opportunities for meaningful employment, and a society that remains resilient in the face of global challenges.
“As we inaugurate HCD 2.0, I call on every Nigerian—policymakers, community leaders, and citizens alike—to recognise the stakes and embrace the promise of this initiative. Building a healthier, better educated, and empowered Nigeria relies on each of us contributing to a legacy of progress and possibility.”
The Vice President recalled how Nigeria had faced what he described as a stark reality in 2018 when the nation’s ranking on global human capital indices showed critical gaps in health, education and employment.
The urgency to address the embarrassing situation, according to him, compelled the Nigerian government to prioritise human capital development, leading to the launch of HCD 1.0 to build a healthy, educated, and productive Nigeria by 2030.
Describing the launch of the HCD 2.0 as the beginning of a new phase, Senator Shettima said, “We have laid a strong foundation, and now, we officially launch the second phase of the Human Capital Development strategy—HCD 2.0.
“This initiative represents far more than a programme. It is a national commitment, a promise to the well-being, empowerment, and productivity of every Nigerian. It embodies a vision that speaks to the aspirations of each citizen and affirms our shared goal: a healthier, more educated, and more inclusive Nigeria.”
The VP explained that the goal of the HCD 2.0 Strategy is to make sure no Nigerian is left behind as the nation navigates towards a more inclusive, sustainable society, even as he listed the core pillars of the strategy to include equitable and modern healthcare, an inclusive, functional education system, as well as promotion of financial inclusion nationwide.
He continued: “One of the core pillars of HCD 2.0 is equitable and modern healthcare. We envision a system that reaches every Nigerian, regardless of their location or economic standing. Through digital health platforms, innovative financing, and climate-resilient practices, we aim to create a healthcare system that serves all.
“Alongside healthcare, we are transforming our approach to education. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, functional education system that prioritises digital literacy, gender equity, and financial accessibility.”
In an era of digital transformation, VP Shettima explained that HCD 2.0 is targeted at bridging the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion across Nigeria.
“By advancing fintech solutions, online banking, and digital payment systems, we are creating pathways for every Nigerian to actively participate in the economy,” he added.
The VP stated however that the HCD 2.0 will not be achieved without “a broad governance framework that brings together federal and state leaders, private sector partners, civil society, and development agencies.”
He assured that with the backing of the HCD Programme Steering Committee, which he chairs, as well as leaders from both public and private sectors, the federal government will smoothly and efficiently execute the HCD 2.0 strategy.
Earlier in her presentation, Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate Change, Rukaiya El-Rufai, said the new programme aims to enhance human capital outcomes by focusing on education, health, and workforce development, building on the progress of its predecessor, HCD 1.0.
“The HCD 2.0 Program is designed to elevate Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI) and ensure our country is equipped to face both national and global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation,” El-Rufai stated.
She highlighted the importance of robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes to ensure transparency and effectiveness in tracking progress.
“We are committed to closing critical gaps in health, education, and labour force participation while promoting sustainability and inclusivity in all our efforts,” she added.
VP Shettima Inaugurates National Council to Address Flood, Erosion, Climate
Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima also inaugurated the National Flood, Erosion, Drought, and Desertification Management Council (NFEDDMC).
The council’s mandate is to establish a comprehensive approach to combating the growing challenges of environmental and climate-induced disasters, focusing on collaborative efforts across government agencies and regions.
Speaking on Friday during the inauguration at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima stressed the need for a unified response to natural disasters that have increasingly impacted Nigeria.
“This council will chart a new course in the management of nature-induced disasters, moving beyond siloed efforts and fostering a collaborative, resource-sharing model for optimal performance,” he stated.
The creation of the council followed recommendations from an updated roadmap on disaster management, developed by a committee led by Kogi State Governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo, under the direction of the National Economic Council (NEC).
VP Shettima acknowledged the accuracy of Nigeria’s weather predictions this year, crediting local agencies for their efforts and urging all departments to “continue acquiring the latest technology and expertise to better serve our communities.”
The NFEDDMC’s responsibilities include advising the federal government on disaster management strategies, developing a national disaster management strategy with immediate, medium, and long-term measures, and enhancing public awareness of climate resilience practices.
According to Senator Shettima, each agency involved must be prepared to act promptly, as environmental disasters often require urgent responses.
The Vice President expressed confidence in the council’s ability to confront the challenges posed by climate. “The journey ahead is challenging, but I believe in the expertise and resolve of our team. Together, we can build a more resilient Nigeria,” he noted.
The Vice President is the chairman of the council, with Governors of Kogi, Bayelsa, Oyo, Ebonyi, Bauchi and Jigawa States as members.
Others members are Minister of State, Water Resources & Sanitation; Minister of State for Environment; Directors-General of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Nigeria Meteorological Agency, National Water Resources Institute, and National Emergency Management Agency
Others include Managing-Directors of National Inland Waterways Authority, Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission and representatives of development partners.
We’ll Position Nigeria Among Top 80 Countries On Human Capital Index – VP Shettima
News
Police arrest three officers for attempted murder of colleague’s son in Lagos over alleged affair with wife
Police arrest three officers for attempted murder of colleague’s son in Lagos over alleged affair with wife
By: Zagazola Makama
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three police inspectors for allegedly assaulting a 22-year-old man to a state of coma at the 22 PMF Barracks, Ogudu.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Tuesday around 6:00 p.m. when the officers Inspector John Alom of 63 PMF Ikorodu, Inspector Sunday Adoga of CTU Base 2 Ikeja, and Inspector Jehovah Usam of 22 PMF Ikeja allegedly lured the victim, Jacob Sunday, to their room.
Jacob, said to be the son of Inspector Sunday Ochepo, was accused by the suspects of having an affair with the wife of one ASP Audu Richard, identified as Sarah Richard, who also resides in the barracks.
According to the sources , the victim was stripped naked and severely beaten until he lost consciousness.
He was later rescued by a team of detectives and taken to the Police College Cottage Hospital, Ikeja, where he is currently receiving treatment at the emergency unit.
The three officers have been arrested and detained pending disciplinary action.
Sources said that the Command said investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Police arrest three officers for attempted murder of colleague’s son in Lagos over alleged affair with wife
News
Nigeria’s Strategic Partnerships: What the French Military Academy’s Visit to NDA Really Means
Nigeria’s Strategic Partnerships: What the French Military Academy’s Visit to NDA Really Means
By Senator Iroegbu
The recent visit of Lt-Gen. Emmanuel Charpy, Commandant of the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM)—France’s foremost military academy—to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna may have seemed like another routine diplomatic engagement. But its more profound implications for Nigeria’s national security, strategic autonomy, and regional leadership are far more profound.
At a time when social media critics are quick to politicise every foreign engagement, the symbolism of this visit deserves sober reflection. It wasn’t about subservience or colonial nostalgia. It was an affirmation of mutual respect, professional excellence, and Nigeria’s growing capacity to engage the world on its own terms.

Unfortunately, there is a popular but dangerous misconception that any cooperation with Western nations represents neo-colonial dependence. This mindset, disguised as patriotism, is in fact strategic illiteracy. True sovereignty is not measured by whom you refuse to engage, but by your ability to partner with powerful nations as an equal while preserving independent decision-making.
The Commandant of one of the world’s most prestigious military academies did not visit Nigeria as a benefactor to a client state. He came as a peer, recognising that the NDA—after over six decades and more than 20,000 graduates—has matured into a globally respected institution, currently hosting cadets from 14 allied countries. The French visit was earned, not solicited. It was Nigeria’s capacity, not its dependency, that drew attention.
Look to the Sahel for caution. The Alliance of Sahel States—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—chose to expel Western forces and sever partnerships with France, only to replace them with heavy dependence on Russia’s Wagner Group, now rebranded as Africa Corps. The results? Escalating insecurity, deteriorating governance, and rising civilian casualties.
They traded one external dependency for another, gaining rhetorical sovereignty but losing absolute control. This is not the path Nigeria should emulate. The smart path is the one that balances partnerships, diversifies alliances, and builds capacity across multiple fronts without ideological rigidity.
Against this backdrop, Nigeria’s geography and regional role demand multilingual, multinational competence. We are surrounded by Francophone nations, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. For our Armed Forces, proficiency in French isn’t a luxury; it’s an operational necessity for border coordination, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping.

The NDA–ESM collaboration directly addresses this need. It enhances leadership development, language proficiency, and training methodology. Far from diminishing Nigeria’s sovereignty, it strengthens our defence capabilities and reinforces our regional leadership role in ECOWAS, the African Union, and United Nations missions.
Partnerships like these are not about dependency; they are about mutual learning and growth. French cadets will also gain exposure to African security dynamics and cultural diversity—critical experiences for future global officers.
To this end, Nigeria’s defence and foreign policy must be guided by one principle: national interest, not by emotional reactions to historical grievances, nor by blind alignment with any global bloc. The question we must always ask is: Does this partnership serve Nigeria’s long-term security and development objectives?
If the NDA–ESM partnership enhances training quality, language capability, and international recognition, then it passes that test. And this is only one among many—Nigeria maintains robust defence relations with the United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, India, and several African nations. Our policy is not “either/or.” It is strategic flexibility—extracting value from multiple sources while maintaining autonomy.
Real patriotism is not loud rejection of foreign engagement; it is the quiet, steady pursuit of excellence. It means making pragmatic decisions that strengthen our national capacity, regardless of where functional expertise originates. It means wanting Nigerian officers to be among the best trained in the world—and knowing that achieving that standard requires learning from global best practices.
The NDA–ESM partnership exemplifies this approach: selective, strategic, and mutually beneficial. It reflects confidence, not submission. It reflects maturity, not dependence.
As other nations in the Sahel drift into isolationism and populist anti-Western rhetoric, Nigeria is charting a more balanced course—engaging without capitulating, cooperating without compromising sovereignty. That’s not weakness; that’s wisdom. It’s the kind of leadership Africa urgently needs: autonomy rooted in strength, not isolationism driven by insecurity.

The world’s power dynamics are shifting. Nations that will thrive are those able to build strategic bridges—not walls. Nigeria’s Defence Academy, by opening its gates to peer collaboration, is quietly doing just that.
In a nutshell, the visit of General Charpy to the NDA was more than a diplomatic gesture. It was recognition of excellence, a celebration of partnership, and a demonstration of Nigeria’s growing stature in global military education. It tells a story of a country confident in its identity, secure in its sovereignty, and determined to engage the world on its own terms.
Nigeria’s national interest must come first—not East, not West, but Nigeria first. The NDA’s example shows that by engaging wisely, learning broadly, and acting decisively, we can build a military—and a nation—worthy of our aspirations.
Senator Iroegbu is a security, geopolitics and development analyst. Email: Senator.iroegbu@yahoo.co.uk
Nigeria’s Strategic Partnerships: What the French Military Academy’s Visit to NDA Really Means
News
Man killed in love-related fight in Yobe community
Man killed in love-related fight in Yobe community
By: Zagazola Makama
A 20-year-old man, identified as Jibrin Saidu Lamido, has been killed following a violent altercation over a romantic relationship in Gurdadi village, Yusufari Local Government Area of Yobe State.Sources said that the incident on Tuesday, saying it occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday when the deceased reportedly visited the home of his girlfriend, identified as Saratu Gata, aged 22, in Kalameri village.
An unknown man was said to have arrived at the scene, took the lady away, and challenged the deceased to follow them if he was “truly a man.” A fight subsequently broke out between both men, during which the suspect allegedly attacked Jibrin with a cutlass, inflicting severe injuries on his neck.
Security operatives from Kumaganam Outstation rushed the victim to the General Hospital, Kumaganam, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
His remains were later released to relatives for burial after an autopsy was conducted.
Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Man killed in love-related fight in Yobe community
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