By Fawaz Adebisi
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has assured Nigerians in Russia that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the country would experience positive changes within the next 9 to 12 months.
He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s capacity and commitment to transform Nigeria, citing his focus on reviving the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON).
Vice President Shettima emphasized that a vibrant steel industry is crucial for Nigeria’s industrial growth and that President Tinubu is unwavering in his dedication to making Ajaokuta a reality.
“It’s going to be a game changer. Having a vibrant steel industry is a sine qua non for the industrial take off of any nation. I can bet you, I can promise you that the President will bring Ajaokuta to a reality.
“Be rest assured that if there is one legacy that President Tinubu would bequeath to fellow Nigerians, Ajaokuta is one. I’ll come back to Russia, we are going to drive this process, and my leader, my boss and principal – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is irrevocably committed to Ajaokuta and to ALSCON.
“We have begun the discussion, and we will see to it that these two companies take off, we have no option than to bring them to reality,” he emphasised.
He therefore assured the community that both companies would be brought to life as they hold immense importance for the nation.
Highlighting Nigeria’s potential, the Vice President mentioned the vast human and material resources available and emphasized the country’s role in addressing a global talent deficit by focusing on digital skills training for one million Nigerians.
He said, “this is the land of opportunities, we have the landmass and vibrant youth population. By 2035, there will be 65 million talent deficit in the world, America, Russia, Brazil will all suffer 6 million talent deficit. And Nigeria with a vibrant young population will be expected to fill the gap.
“So, opportunities abound in the digital space. Our target is to train 1,000,000 Nigerians on digital skills.”
Senator Shettima therefore praised President Tinubu’s leadership qualities, citing his successful performance as Lagos State Governor and his passion for transforming Nigeria.
He also commended the Nigerian community in Russia for their mature conduct and acknowledged the positive initiatives undertaken by the Tinubu administration to improve relations with Russia.
In the same vein highlighted the significance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between Nigeria and Russia.
Present at the forum were dignitaries including Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Amb. Shehu Abdullahi, and representatives from various Nigerian organizations in Russia.
