Peaceful Co-existence, National Unity Must Be Our Gift to One Another, Says Shettima

•COAS seeks collective effort in nation’s security as CAS fetes troops in Katsina at Eid

Deji Elumoye, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Harcourt

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, peaceful co-existence, and tolerance as key pillars for national progress, drawing from the lessons of Ramadan.

Shettima appealed to citizens to support the administration’s ongoing economic reforms. He assured that short-term difficulties currently being experienced would yield long-term benefits for the country.

That was as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, called for collective effort in the security and stability of the country.

Similarly, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, while feting troops in Katsina, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of its personnel.

Speaking in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during a luncheon with Borno State elders and his former schoolmates in celebration of Eid-El-Fitr, the vice president said there was need for continued harmony among citizens.

The speech was read on his behalf by the member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis

Shettima stated, “We thank the Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this Eid-El-Fitr. I wish to also say that we should all perfect, maintain, and build on the sense of unity that exists among us for our collective gain and progress as a gift for one another.

“President Bola Tinubu remains committed to implementing policies that will create sustainable development for all Nigerians. Just as Ramadan teaches endurance, we ask for your continued patience as these necessary reforms take root and bear fruit.”

Shettima, who arrived at his home state Sunday evening, urged Nigerians to continue to embody the spiritual lessons gained during Ramadan as a pathway to national development.

He said, “Peaceful coexistence is very important and we should not relent in maintaining that virtue. It will go a long way in bringing about the development of ourselves and the nation.”

The vice president enjoined the people of Borno State and Nigerians, in general, to always maintain traits of humility and communal living in line with the teachings of the Holy books, saying such values are foundational to national progress.

The senator for Borno Central Senatorial District, Kaka Lawan, also prayed for lasting peace in Nigeria.

Lawan urged Nigerians to rally round Tinubu as the father of the nation, stressing that the president needs the prayers and support of all Nigerians as he implements the good policies he has for the improvement of the economy and overall development of Nigeria. 

The senator urged his constituents to imbibe the attributes of Shettima, saying, “The vice president is an epitome of leadership, sacrifice, resilience, integrity, perseverance and above all courage.

“So, I will like my constituents and, indeed, people of Borno State and Nigerians, at large, to emulate his virtues. He is a leader and we are proud of his achievements.”

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, also commended the vice president for his show of love, especially to the needy, despite his tight schedule.

“When he is in Abuja, his schedule is overwhelming, yet he always finds time for his people. Seeing the joyful faces of his classmates, elders, and other guests at this event is a testament to his character,” Kyari stated.

The minister said Shettima’s humility had endeared him to his people, adding that he is a man of good character and extreme humility.

Earlier, Chairman of Borno State Elders Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gubio, appreciated the vice president’s hospitality and assured him of continued prayers for success in his duties.

COAS Seeks Collective Effort to Security

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, called for collective effort to maintain the security and stability of the country.

Oluyede emphasised the need for Nigerians to support and encourage the military in their commitment to security of the country.

He made the call when he hosted frontline troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, to a special Eid-el-fitri celebration luncheon in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

He stated the sacrifices made by Nigerian soldiers in securing the country and protecting critical national assets, and enjoined citizens to always remember them and their families, especially in times of celebration, like Eid-el-fitri.

The COAS said the relative peace experienced in parts of the country, with emphasis on Niger Delta, was attributable to the doggedness of the troops, who put their lives on the line to protect the citizens and national assets from external forces.

Oluyede, who was represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, stated that the festive period called for bonding as an indivisible nation.

Air Chief Fetes Troops in Katsina

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of its personnel.

He gave the assurance while hosting the 2025 Eid-el-fitr luncheon with troops of the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, in Katsina State.

The CAS also applauded the troops for their resilience, dedication, and professionalism in safeguarding the nation, assuring them that their sacrifices would not go unrecognised.

A statement by Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said the CAS was represented by Air Officer, Commanding Special Operations Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Usman Kandi Abdullahi.

He applauded the troops for their unwavering commitment to national security, highlighting their achievements in recent operations.

“Your relentless efforts in conducting air interdiction missions, disrupting enemy supply chains, and delivering precision strikes have significantly degraded adversary capabilities,” he stated.