VP Shettima declares that poverty has no place in the North.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep concern over the widespread poverty in the North, describing it as deeply troubling. He emphasized that the region, blessed with abundant natural and human resources, should not be burdened with poverty and lack of education.

In an interview with Radio France RFI Hausa Service, which was monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna on Sunday, Shettima underscored his commitment as Vice President to addressing the numerous challenges facing the region. He revealed plans to convene a meeting with key stakeholders from the North, including governors, wealthy individuals, politicians, and others, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The purpose of the meeting, he stated, will be to chart a path out of the current economic and security challenges facing the North. “We have no reason to be mired in poverty in the North. Allah has blessed us abundantly. With the support of affluent Northerners like Aliko Dangote, Alhaji AbdulSamad, Dahiru Mangal, Alhaji Muhammad Ndimi, Gen T Y Danjuma, AYM Shafa, AA Rano, and our dedicated Northern political leaders, we will work together, not just for show, but with a genuine commitment to unity and progress for the North,” Shettima said.

Addressing the challenges facing the North and the government’s plans for the region, the Vice President noted, “The government is genuinely committed to helping our people in the North.”

He mentioned the establishment of a foundation aimed at supporting the agricultural sector, with a 100 billion naira fund set aside to assist 500 million farmers, most of whom are in the North. Additionally, the creation of the Ministry of Livestock, largely benefiting Northern herders, was highlighted as a testament to the government’s dedication to the region.

Shettima also pointed out the distribution of 42,000 tons of food from government reserves to alleviate the high cost of living and food prices. Regarding the welfare of government workers, he reiterated the government’s decision to raise the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. He assured the people that the President is deeply committed to their well-being and will take all necessary steps to ease their hardships, affirming, “We understand the difficulties they face, and we stand in solidarity with them.”