Vice President Shettima Calls for Enhanced Partnership with Gates Foundation
Vice President Kassim Shettima praised the Gates Foundation for its ongoing commitment and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria, recognizing it as a vital partner in reshaping the country’s narrative. His comments come amid a push to strengthen collaborations between the Foundation, the Nigerian government, and the private sector in crucial areas such as digital transformation, health, nutrition, and agriculture.
These remarks were made during a meeting with a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by Hari Menon, chairman of the Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO) division, at the State House in Abuja. Shettima expressed admiration for the dedication displayed by the Foundation’s Nigerian team, whom he referred to as key strategic partners.
Shettima commended the team for their unwavering availability and commitment, stating, “We are profoundly grateful to the Gates Foundation as our ally in altering Nigeria’s narrative. We require the Foundation not only as a robust partner but also as a crucial stakeholder in our initiatives.”
He acknowledged the Foundation’s substantial investments in essential sectors, including human capital development, health systems, and agricultural productivity. “We cannot express our appreciation enough,” Shettima said. “However, we are eager to elevate our partnership, particularly in areas like nutrition, which currently enjoys significant support.”
The Vice President expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, stating that if the country makes the right moves, it could surpass several major global economies. He echoed the sentiment of Napoleon Bonaparte, who labeled China as “the sleeping giant of Africa,” highlighting the urgency for Nigeria to maximize its capabilities.
Shettima emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture to boost productivity, advocating for the adoption of advanced technologies, optimized inputs, and improved farm management practices. He outlined strategies such as high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties, precision farming, and enhanced irrigation systems, all pivotal for reaching these goals.
Hari Menon, the GGO Division Chairman, explained his visit’s purpose: to explore ways to deepen and expand the partnership with Nigeria. He acknowledged that the country is navigating a transformative phase under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing the goal of advancing the administration’s ongoing reforms.
Menon noted, “Nigeria is experiencing a remarkable period, guided by the visionary leadership of the President and Vice President. Many dynamic changes are underway, and the Gates Foundation is honored to collaborate with the Nigerian government and local innovators to foster long-term economic transformation and development.”
The Foundation’s initiatives focus on three primary objectives: reducing preventable maternal and child fatalities, eradicating infectious diseases, and fostering economic opportunities. “In these fields, Nigeria is emerging as a leader and we eagerly anticipate deepening our partnerships with local institutions, innovators, and leaders,” Menon added. He concluded by stating that Nigeria’s advancements could serve as valuable lessons for other regions across the continent and the broader Global South.
