I Don’t Believe In Aid. I’d Rather Carry My Poverty With Dignity – Shettima
According to Vice President Kashim Shettima, he opposes the notion that the global south’s economic problems can be solved by foreign assistance.
Shettima made this statement on Thursday, January 23, during his speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
In order to re-engineer African cultures, Shettima emphasized during a panel discussion the importance of investing in woman empowerment, education, and innovation.
He emphasized the need of African countries using their resources to influence global prosperity. The vice president also stated that Nigeria’s economic situation provides a rare opportunity to lay a firm foundation.
“Yes, we have challenges. But those challenges are also pregnant with opportunities to re-engineer our society and build back better. The crisis has given us a unique opportunity, a unique window to invest in people. Especially on education, gender empowerment initiatives, on smart agriculture, and leapfrog our economies into the post-industrial revolution.
“I don’t believe in aid. I believe in partnership. I would rather carry my poverty with dignity and deal with people, nations, and companies on a pedestal of equality, not a master-servant relationship.
“My continent is the richest in the world, and the trajectory of global growth is facing Africa. And Nigeria will make or mar that transition.
“So I move in with confidence, with cautious optimism, with hope for a better tomorrow. But most importantly, I believe that the youth of Africa are the drivers of change in Africa” he said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
