In a significant address on Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima underscored the pivotal role played by the private sector in constituting an integral part of the foundation supporting the Nigerian government.
In an official statement released by Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President) Stanley Nkwocha said the Vice President lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to cultivating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Speaking during the commissioning of various projects, including the Ijele 93.1 FM Radio Station, Phase Two of the SEOF Touch-a-Life Housing Project, and the AEMSL Meter Factory in Anambra State, Shettima outlined the president’s vision, anchored in eight priority areas such as poverty eradication, economic growth, job creation, and equitable access to capital.
“The private sector forms the other half of the government’s crucial foundation. Whatever innovation we design, whatever ideas we explore, whatever interests we pursue, we cannot achieve our objectives if those for whom they are targeted are not carried along or in tune with our agenda,” remarked the Vice President.
Commending Anambra State for its private sector-driven development, Shettima pledged the federal government’s support in addressing ecological challenges faced by the state. He acknowledged Anambra’s emergence as a critical economic pillar for Nigeria and commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his understanding of the importance of a thriving private sector.
In particular, Shettima lauded the Chairman of Chrome Group and Founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF), Dr. Emeka Offor, for his contributions to Anambra State’s development. Recognizing Offor’s “innovation, determination, and audacious vision,” the Vice President highlighted the positive impact of Offor’s investments in creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and delivering essential services to the people.
Shedding light on the collaborative effort required for national development, Shettima expressed confidence that the vision set forth by the Tinubu administration can only be realized in an environment supportive of translating innovative ideas into action. He emphasized the indispensable partnership between the federal government and states, stating, “commitment knows no bounds when fostering an environment ripe for entrepreneurial growth and innovation.”
Addressing environmental challenges, Shettima had an aerial view of gully erosion sites in Anambra State, pledging federal government support to implement solutions. He reiterated the commitment to Anambra State’s economic development, promising interventions in economic support, infrastructure development, and initiatives to address challenges such as gully erosion and improve road infrastructure.
The Vice President affirmed, “Anambra State is crucial to the economy of this country, and we are going to ensure interventions in this state, from economic support to infrastructure development, are geared towards sustaining its place as an industrial and economic powerhouse.”
Vice President Shettima was warmly received in the state by Governor Soludo, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. Emeka Offor, among others.
