Nice Men Not Fit For Leadership, Says Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said effective leadership demands courage, decisiveness and the willingness to make difficult choices.
Shettima made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the Niger Delta Agricultural Development and Investment Summit in Abuja, where he also called for renewed investment in agriculture and praised leaders who take swift decisions to attract investors.
The Vice President said true leadership is measured by action rather than popularity, insisting that those entrusted with public office must be prepared to make tough decisions in the national interest.
"Leadership means walking the talk. Leadership is about taking tough decisions," he said.
"And leadership is not meant for nice men. Nice men should be selling chocolates, ice cream."
Shettima also defended Nigeria against comparisons with smaller African countries often cited as development success stories, arguing that the country's vast population and diversity present a more complex governance challenge.
While expressing admiration for Rwandan President Paul Kagame, he cautioned against drawing direct comparisons between Nigeria and nations with significantly smaller populations.
"People celebrate Rwanda. I adore Paul Kagame. People talk about Seychelles. Yes, the economy has turned the corner," he said.
He added: "What is the population of Botswana? Not more than Somolu Local Government Area of Lagos. What is the population of Seychelles? Not more than two wards in Kano metropolis.
"What is the population of Rwanda? The population of Rwanda is about half the population of Lagos State. So numbers count. Take it or leave it, Nigeria is a great nation."
Highlighting the importance of agriculture to Nigeria's economic future, Shettima urged Nigerians to reconnect with the country's agrarian roots, describing the sector as a major source of employment and economic prosperity.
"We began as an agrarian economy and the foundation of this nation was laid upon it.
"Let us remember that our agricultural heritage has provided hope to the hopeless. It has provided jobs for a mass of humanity," he said.
The Vice President also commended Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for his prompt response to a proposed $500 million investment in Nigeria's oil palm industry.
According to Shettima, representatives of a leading Malaysian oil palm company and their Nigerian partners recently met with him to discuss plans to invest in the sector.
"They came to my office with their Nigerian counterpart. I called the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno. He picked the phone and these are people who are willing to invest $500 million in oil palm.
"They will start with 10,000 hectares in Akwa Ibom. He said, 'Let them come and start work at once.' This is leadership," Shettima said.
He maintained that attracting investment and driving national development require leaders who are prepared to act decisively rather than seek public approval.