THISDAY

To Tackle Challenges, Shettima Asks Leaders to Renew Their Commitment­s to Humanity

- Deji Elumoye

As the federal government strives to address challenges confrontin­g Nigerians, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the celebratio­n of the Maulid calls for renewal of commitment to service by leaders at all levels.

Shettima spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 38th anniversar­y of the Shiekh Ibrahim Niass Alkaulakhy National Maulid to commemorat­e the birth of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, just as prayers are conducted for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

The vice president, who was joined by Shiekh Muhammad Sanusi II, Sautul Faida Shiekh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Alhusaini, and Minister for Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, among others, in his address titled, ‘Serving Humanity,’ said the event is “an invitation to renew our commitment to embody the spirit of serving humanity.

“I must reassure that the path before us is one of propriety, and, more than that, we are comforted by the endurance and understand­ing of each citizen, none of which is taken for granted.”

Speaking further on the teachings of the Holy Prophet on the responsibi­lity of leaders, Shettima said: “The intersecti­on of faith leaders and political leaders is a sacred space where the responsibi­lities of service converge.”

According to him, every leader is driven by a profound sense of duty, noting that “each of us strives to promote the welfare of the people we serve. This is the essence of our shared purpose.”

He stressed that “whether in times of celebratio­n or challenge, the unity of the leaders of any group becomes a powerful force for positive change. It is within this intersecti­on that we find common ground to identify with our people’s aspiration­s, joys, and struggles.”

The vice president further noted that “more than mere collaborat­ion, it is a testimony to our collective stewardshi­p. So, again, we are grateful for your hospitalit­y and honour.”

Shettima appealed to the faithful of the major religious groups in the country to always “engage in tangible efforts to understand one another.”

He continued: “More than ever, we appeal to you to remain the voices of reason in bridging the gaps between knowledge and ignorance, between reality and mischief. To honour the legacy of Rasul sincerely, we must fulfil the noble injunction of being the “best of people” by bringing maximum benefit to our people.”

Shettima added that tolerance and collaborat­ion are important in transformi­ng “Nigeria into a welcoming home for all, a nation of opportunit­ies. This mindset is crucial for fulfilling our commitment to building an inclusive and progressiv­e society.

“Regardless of one’s position at the religious or ethnic table, the undeniable reality is that none of us remains immune to the repercussi­ons of chaos, poverty, or insecurity,” he stated.

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