Umar Gombe

A VISIT TO VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA: A MOMENT OF WISDOM, GUIDANCE AND RENEWED COMMITMENT TO NATION-BUILDING On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, I had the rare privilege of a private audience with His Excellency, Senator @KashimSM, GCON, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was another valuable opportunity to draw from his wealth of experience, receive thoughtful guidance, and benefit from the wisdom of a leader whose political journey continues to inspire younger generations. Despite the brief nature of our engagement, one quality consistently stands out whenever I meet the Vice President: his humility and his belief that young people must look beyond their immediate comfort zones, embrace greater responsibilities, and identify meaningful ways to contribute to nation-building. During our discussion, the Vice President commended His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, for his commitment to youth inclusion and the deliberate creation of opportunities for young people to participate in governance. He encouraged us not to take such opportunities for granted but to demonstrate competence, integrity, dedication and results worthy of the confidence reposed in us. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss areas of potential opportunities for Yobe State to benefit from ongoing Federal Government initiatives. I reaffirmed our commitment, as young leaders and heads of government and political institutions, to work tirelessly in support of policies and programmes that promote national development and improve the lives of our people. We reflected on key initiatives of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including improved electricity supply in my state, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), increased remuneration for tertiary institution and Security personnel, more stable academic calendars, enhanced support for state governments, and investments in critical infrastructure. These reforms, among others, demonstrate the importance of sustaining policies that expand opportunities, strengthen institutions and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians. The Vice President also expressed appreciation for Governor Mai Mala Buni’s contributions to the Renewed Hope 2.0 initiative and conveyed confidence in the Governor’s leadership and his capacity to consolidate the achievements of the administration in Yobe State while contributing to the broader success of the APC across Northern Nigeria. For me, every engagement with the Vice President is a reminder that leadership is a continuous journey of learning, service, sacrifice and responsibility. His counsel reinforces the need for young leaders to remain focused, appreciate the opportunities entrusted to them, and translate those opportunities into measurable progress for the people. As we look towards the future, our commitment remains firm: to communicate the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda, mobilise support for its people-centred reforms, and encourage Nigerians to sustain the progress being made under the leadership of President @officialABAT GCFR, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON. Every meeting brings fresh insight. Every word of counsel strengthens our resolve. And every opportunity to serve reinforces our commitment to a better Nigeria. BAT/KSM Again — For Continuity, Consolidation and Renewed Hope.

As directed by His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, I visited the MD/CEO of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Ayodeji Oludare @ayosotinrin, in Abuja to explore strategic partnerships to expand tractor access, affordable farm financing, electric cargo tricycles and Agri-Hubs for Yobe farmers. Our goal is to boost productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, reduce post-harvest losses and advance food security across Yobe State.