‘Shettima Raising Next Set Of Northern Leaders’

Musa Daniel, a Public Relations expert, has lauded the leadership style of Vice President Kashim Shettima. In an article titled, “Is Kashim Shettima raising the Next Set of Northern Leaders?”, Daniel highlighted how engages with a “brilliant” set of Northern youth, including Ameen Amshi, Gimba Kakanda, Sadiq Wanka, Usman Mohammed, Ishaq Ahmed Ningi, Rukaiya El-Rufai, […]

Musa Daniel, a Public Relations expert, has lauded the leadership style of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

In an article titled, “Is Kashim Shettima raising the Next Set of Northern Leaders?”, Daniel highlighted how engages with a “brilliant” set of Northern youth, including Ameen Amshi, Gimba Kakanda, Sadiq Wanka, Usman Mohammed, Ishaq Ahmed Ningi, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and Aliyu Bunu Sheriff.

Through these relationships, he said Shettima not only imparts knowledge but also ignites the flames of ambition and purpose, fostering a generation poised to lead with integrity and innovation.

The piece read in part: “In the grand tapestry of leadership, the threads of mentorship and loyalty weave a narrative that transcends generations. The journey of great men is often marked by the guiding hands of those who have walked the path before them.
Yoruba People have a saying loosely translated, “The horse at the back looks at horse at the front to learn how to run”. It is said that men must learn from other men; they must be forged in the fires of experience, resilience, and the wisdom passed down from one generation to the next.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ‘What you do is so loud that I cannot hear what you say.’ How can we describe this colossus? Do we call him a trendsetter, a trailblazer, or a torchbearer? We may need an accomplished neologist in the mold of Wole Soyinka to coin a term that represents this phenomenal persona.’ These profound words were spoken by then-Senator Kashim Shettima at the launch of Jim Ovia’s autobiography titled Africa Rise and Shine.

“Kashim Shettima has consistently acknowledged the immense role of mentorship in his life, famously stating, “I am a Jim Ovia boy.” His robust career in the banking sector at Zenith Bank, his desire to help the vulnerable in our society and immense hard-work laid the groundwork for Shettima’s ascent into the political arena, where he would become a beacon of hope for aspiring leaders.

“Today, as Vice President, Kashim Shettima stands as a testament to the power of mentorship and loyalty to trailblazers. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a visionary leader who embodies the spirit of empowerment, selected Shettima as his running mate following his victory in the APC Presidential Primaries. Infact Shettima was taken unawares with this decision when it broke out in Daura, Kastina state, President Tinubu had travelled to inform then President Muhammadu Buhari on his choice. This choice reflects not just confidence in Shettima’s abilities, but also a recognition of the profound impact of mentorship on shaping capable leaders. President Tinubu’s own journey, marked by his commitment to building men and women of integrity, mirrors Shettima’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of Northern leadership.

“The caliber of protégés that Shettima has nurtured is nothing short of impressive. Notably, Governor Umara Zulum of Borno State, whom Shettima humbly refers to as “my boss,” exemplifies the success of this mentorship. Shettima’s guidance has empowered Zulum to lead Borno State with courage and vision, demonstrating the effectiveness of investing in the future.

“But Shettima’s influence transcends Governor Zulum. He actively engages with a brilliant set of Northern youth, including Ameen Amshi, Gimba Kakanda, Sadiq Wanka, Usman Mohammed, Ishaq Ahmed Ningi, Rukaiya El-Rufai, and Aliyu Bunu Sheriff. Through these relationships, Shettima not only imparts knowledge but also ignites the flames of ambition and purpose, fostering a generation poised to lead with integrity and innovation.

“There’s no doubt that Kashim Shettima is reliving the ideals set by the late Sarduana of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and former Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, who championed a more enlightened and well-exposed youth. By embodying these principles, Shettima is not just a mentor; he is a catalyst for change, ensuring that the legacy of enlightened leadership continues to flourish in Northern Nigeria.

“Kashim Shettima stands at a pivotal moment in history, mentoring the next set of Northern leaders. He reminds us that true leadership is about nurturing others, forging connections, and creating a future where rising leaders are equipped with the wisdom and guidance necessary to navigate the challenges ahead. As the journey unfolds, it is clear that Shettima continues to expose himself to young people, inspiring future generations to rise, lead, and transform their communities. The world is watching.”