Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to focus on solving the country's challenges rather than organizing protests. Speaking at the Presidential Villa on Friday during the launch of a partnership with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Shettima emphasized the importance of addressing the nation’s pressing nutritional issues through constructive action.
Announcing the government's involvement in the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity, Shettima highlighted the need for proactive solutions. His spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, shared these insights in a statement.
“This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. While the right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies, starting an agitation without knowing its end can lead to anarchy,” Shettima stated. He acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians due to recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, and expressed empathy for their struggles.
Shettima compared the reforms to the pain of childbirth, which ultimately leads to celebration. “The oil subsidy has been a burden for 50 years. Once the benefits start coming, it will positively impact the common man,” he noted. He called for diplomacy, engagement, and patience, assuring that President Tinubu is committed to the Nigerian project.
As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, Shettima reiterated their commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, designed to drive positive changes across communities. The GCNg Project, in collaboration with the NSN, aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in addressing public health and food system challenges.
Shettima urged the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to innovate and deepen their collaboration with the government and other stakeholders. Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, leader of the NSN delegation, called on Shettima, as Chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria, to lead the government’s involvement and garner ministerial support for the project.
“We have aligned with the global Grand Challenges project, largely funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We need the government to take ownership and identify a partner agency or ministry to sign the MoU,” Abubakar stated.
Godwin Bamsa, Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, highlighted the global impact of the initiative, noting that since 2003, the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries. “The Grand Challenges project aims to solve critical health and nutrition issues in Nigeria. With the government’s partnership, we can revolutionize Nigeria’s health, food systems, agriculture, science and technology, and other key sectors,” Bamsa said.
Other members of the delegation included NSN President, Professor Wasiu Afolabi, NSN Board of Trustees Member, Professor Ignatius Onimawo, immediate past President of NSN, Dr. Bartholomew Brai, NSN Vice President North, Dr. Aliyu Maimuna Ladidi, and Chairperson, NSN FCT Abuja Chapter.
