Make Nigeria Better Instead Of Jolting Out Of The Country, Vice President Tells Graduates

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged graduates to embrace their potential and contribute to making Nigeria a better place rather than jolting out of the country.

Shettima shared his thoughts Wednesday when Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to the president and former speaker of the House of Representatives, visited the presidential villa with the graduating class of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI).

"I believe passionately that in this room, there are future presidents, vice presidents, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and governors. We also have future drivers and captains of industry," he said. "Let no one make you feel inferior as a Nigerian. One out of every four Black men is a Nigerian. Let no one deceive you that the grass is greener at the other end. Certainly, we can make it green on our home turf."

The vice president also spoke about the ongoing challenges in the country. Nigerians are struggling with a rise in fuel and food prices following fuel subsidy removal. They also face a cash crunch as the country went through demonetization last year.

"Our country is going through some difficulties and challenges, but we are going to surmount it. We are going to cross the Rubicon. We are going to cross the Red Sea and take you to the land of opportunities and blessings," he said.

Shettima acknowledged that most graduates have digital skills, which can be used for national development, calling them "digital Wizkids" and "digitally savvy." He urged them to stay in the country rather than fly out for work.

As far as leadership is concerned, the vice president noted it is all about coming up with robust solutions for the country's problems.

"Say no to the naysayers and to the prophets of doom. It doesn't serve any purpose. Our ability to accept each other; and our tolerance threshold will determine how far we can go as a nation. And the quality of governance is crucial to the goal and trajectory of our nation," Shettima said.

He stressed that the LMI graduates should combine their digital skills with their "newfound sense of purpose and national pride" to transform the country's landscape.