Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s economy and transforming the nation’s healthcare system.
He made this statement on Friday during a courtesy visit by Mark Daniel Maloney, Chair of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Shettima commended Rotary International and other stakeholders for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully committed to repositioning the Nigerian nation. He is a revolutionary leader who has made far-reaching decisions unmatched in contemporary history,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s priorities, the Vice President emphasised the need for economic growth, environmental regeneration, and investments in education.
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He urged Rotary International to increase its involvement in addressing environmental challenges, such as desertification and deforestation, through initiatives like the Great Green Wall project.
“We need your support in aggressive environmental regeneration. It’s a win-win for all,” he added.
On education, Shettima noted its transformative power, saying, “Education is the ultimate game-changer. With education, within a generation, the son of a pauper can become a celebrated icon. Nigeria, with an average age of 16.9 years, must harness its youthful demographics for national growth.”
The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) announced a $5 million donation to the Rotary Foundation to tackle maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Sir Emeka Offor pledged continued support for government healthcare initiatives, saying, “We want to ensure that the intentions of the present government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are actualized.”
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This gesture was lauded by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, who described the donation as life-changing.
“Contributions like these will go a long way in addressing maternal mortality. Beyond this, Sir Emeka Offor’s philanthropic efforts in federal hospitals over the last year and a half have been commendable. He sets a good example for other wealthy Nigerians,” Pate stated.
Mark Daniel Maloney praised Nigeria’s achievements in healthcare, particularly the eradication of wild poliovirus. He attributed this success to strong government partnerships.
“The Rotary Foundation has funded $34 million in health-related projects in Nigeria over the past year. We appreciate the government’s efforts in combating vaccine-derived polio and other health challenges,” Maloney said.
With strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and international organizations, Nigeria’s economic and healthcare transformation appears set on a progressive path.
