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AGF reaffirms Tinubu’s administration commitment to press freedom
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Leadership newspapers chair urges collective strive for excellence to create better world
By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria’s governance problems stem more from fiscal irresponsibility than its federal structure. He spoke at the 7th LEADERSHIP Newspaper Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja.
The event, held at the State House Conference Centre, gathered top officials, business leaders, and thinkers to discuss “Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism.”
Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, stressed resource mismanagement as the core issue. “The Nigerian challenge lies less in the structure of our federalism and more in the deficit of our collective fiscal responsibility,” he said. “The issue is not merely how much each federating unit accrues, but how judiciously such resources are utilised.”
He argued that poor management, not the federal system, causes many problems. “The problems we attribute to our federal system often stem from the poor management of what is already within our grasp, not from any inherent flaw in our constitutional architecture,” he stated.
Shettima praised LEADERSHIP Newspaper for creating a space where “ideas are not only exchanged but legacies shaped.” He highlighted the Tinubu administration’s reforms, like pushing for local government autonomy. “This is how we make the federation functional: by bringing governance closer to the people,” he noted, welcoming the Supreme Court’s recent rulings on this.
Looking at countries like Canada, Germany, and Spain, he cautioned against copying foreign models. “No federal system is perfect. Every federation evolves,” he said. “We must resist the temptation to prescribe imported solutions that fail to account for our distinct social, ethnic, and demographic complexities.”
He defended bold moves like removing fuel subsidies and introducing tax reforms. These, he said, build a responsible federation. “What matters most to everyday Nigerians is not the abstract theory of federalism but whether governance delivers water, electricity, schools, roads, and hospitals,” he added. Reforms are tough but needed, he stressed. “We have chosen the path of reform. It is bold, often difficult, but necessary.”
Shettima congratulated the award winners, calling their recognition “a celebration and a call to duty.” He urged them to show integrity and innovation. “Nigeria needs more than policy. Nigeria needs patriots—citizens, leaders, and institutions ready to be counted when it matters most,” he said.
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, sent a goodwill message. He reaffirmed the government’s support for press freedom. “My presence here as Attorney-General of the Federation is a statement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly under the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that we do not tamper with press freedom,” he said. He praised LEADERSHIP Newspaper and urged them to keep going. “Keep the flag flying,” he added.
Zainab Nda-Isaiah, Chairman of Leadership Group, opened the event. She called on Nigerians to aim for excellence and improve the world. “Each of us has the potential to be a catalyst for change,” she said. She encouraged people to think about their impact. “Let us push boundaries and make the world a better place for future generations.”
The event honoured leaders and organisations for their work. Nda-Isaiah said the awardees inspire others.
“To our awardees: you are more than recipients of prizes. You are leaders and role models whose hard work and achievements inspire us all,” she said.