In a compelling address to the graduating class of the second cohort of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged young graduates to channel their potential towards building a thriving future for Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities abroad. The call came during a visit led by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Embracing potential at home
Vice President Shettima passionately encouraged the graduates to embrace their potential within Nigeria and contribute to the nation’s progress. Addressing the diverse group, he expressed a profound belief in the future leaders among them. “I believe passionately that in this room, there are future Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, and governors. We also have future drivers and captains of industry,” Senator Shettima noted.
Rejecting the notion of seeking greener pastures abroad, the Vice President urged the graduates not to succumb to disillusionment. “Let no one make you feel inferior as a Nigerian. One out of every four black men is a Nigerian. Let no one deceive you that the grass is greener at the other end. Certainly, we can make it green on our home turf,” he emphasized.
Overcoming challenges with vision
Acknowledging the challenges facing the country, VP Shettima presented a resolute vision for overcoming them. “Our country is going through some difficulties and challenges, but we are going to surmount it. We are going to cross the Rubicon. We are going to cross the Red Sea and take you to the land of opportunities and blessings,” he declared.
Digital prowess for national development
Recognizing the graduates’ digital prowess, the Vice President urged them to leverage their skills for national development. He emphasized the importance of staying in Nigeria and contributing to the country’s growth. “Most of you here are digital Wizkids – you are digitally savvy. Let no one deceive you about careering out of this country. Let’s stay here and make this country work. This is our country. The future belongs to you,” he urged.
Redefining leadership
VP Shettima challenged the graduates’ perception of leadership, shifting the focus from physical strength to intellectual agility. “The hallmark of true leadership is not the ability to lift a bag of cement, but the ability to come up with robust solutions to a nation’s problems,” he emphasized. Encouraging resilience, he added, “Give us a couple of months, this country will bounce back. Say no to the naysayers and to the prophets of doom.”
A call for active participation
Calling on the LMI graduates to actively shape Nigeria’s destiny, the Vice President emphasized the transformative potential of their digital skills, coupled with a sense of purpose and national pride. “Their digital skills, combined with their newfound sense of purpose and national pride, have the potential to transform the nation’s landscape, and certainly, we can make it green on our home turf,” he declared.
A generation like no other
Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, founder of the LMI program, praised the uniqueness of the graduating generation. He recognized the changing times and emphasized the need for the older generation to adapt. Referring to the cohort, he said, “These young men and women before us are going to be doing greater and mightier things than those who came before them last year. I wish I had somebody to mentor me when I was growing up. You guys are lucky.”
In conclusion, the Vice President’s call for graduates to invest in Nigeria and actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny resonates as a rallying cry for a generation poised to make a significant impact on the country’s future. The LMI program, as a catalyst for mentorship and empowerment, stands as a beacon for nurturing the potential of young leaders committed to building a prosperous and vibrant Nigeria.
