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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described President Bola Tinubu as a leader with the political courage needed for impactful decisions and remains committed to diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He said in line with this, the Federal Government was contemplating the formation of a task team to design and implement a framework for good architecture across Nigeria, aimed at standardizing the nation’s architectural practices.
According to a statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, during a visit by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) delegation led by Adeola Adenikinju to the Presidential Villa yesterday, Shettima emphasised Tinubu’s dedication to economic diversification by citing his recent Brazil visit, which led to five memoranda of understanding in sectors like aviation, foreign affairs, science and technology and agriculture. “These were deliberate and intentional steps by the President,” he said, showcasing the administration’s proactive approach.
The Vice President remarked, “In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally, a friend who grew up in the same ecosystem as you, who speaks your language of business and commerce, who understands the economic terrain, and most importantly, who has the political courage.”
He underscored Nigeria’s potential in a knowledge-driven, post-industrial age, highlighting that Nigeria is in a unique position to fill global talent gaps, owing to its youthful population.
He referenced Nigeria’s top African unicorns as proof of the intellectual capacity needed to reposition the economy under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Calling on NES for stronger collaboration, he solicited the society’s support to bring about practical solutions and assured, “The President Tinubu administration is open to your input and perspectives on diversifying the nation’s economy.”
Adenikinju commended the President’s bold economic reforms as profound and yielding results and pledged NES’s support, offering to join the government economic teams for deeper involvement.
He emphasised the need for the reactivation of the Economic Intelligence Unit to provide evidence-based advice to the President.
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He also revealed plans to award Shettima the society’s highest honour during its national conference in Abuja.
In a related development, the Federal Government is reviewing a proposal from the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) to establish a presidential task team to promote good architecture as a tool for economic growth.
The NIA delegation, led by its President, Mobolaji Adeniyi, visited Shettima to advocate for architecture to be prioritised nationally.
The Vice President endorsed the initiative, stating, “In President Bola Tinubu, you have a very formidable ally with whom we can work collectively to catapult our nation.”
He urged architects to support the administration, portraying the President as a compassionate leader who won’t even want to hurt a fly, but ready to make difficult decisions for Nigeria’s future.
Shettima added, “Together, we can make this country a great nation. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us. If this country succeeds, the black man can hold his head high in the gathering of the black.”
Adeniyi highlighted the role of good architecture beyond physical structures, noting its impact on culture, society and development.
She pointed out challenges like deviations from design standards, scarcity of local building materials and capacity shortfalls.
She urged the Vice President to serve as Nigeria’s “Champion of Good Architecture” to help bridge aspirations and reality, and invited him to the NIA’s 65th annual general meeting where he will be honoured with an Honorary Fellowship.
