By Muhammad Amaan
Nigeria’s Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritising health, education and human capital development.
He stated this at the inauguration of the revamped National Economic Council (NEC) Human Capital Development (HCD) Steering Committee, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Vice-President explained that the Federal Government reconstituted the committee to reflect the nation’s new leadership and bring all stakeholders together.
Shettima said it was imperative to ensure access to quality schooling for every Nigerian child.
He noted that education was a catalyst for unlocking opportunities and fostering a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the 21st-century economy.
“The HCD programme invites each of us to participate in ensuring that every child has access to quality schooling,” he affirmed.
He noted the determination of the President Tinubu’s administration to bolster labour force participation, even as he issued a fervent call to action.
In his speech titled, “The Burden of Trust in Leadership Transition,” Shettima tasked the new committee to deliver tangible progress on the three core pillars of health, nutrition, education, and labour force participation.
He said each phase of their obligation to serve the nation reminded them of the impacts of their choices, pointing out that the current day was no exception.
“This is the future we seek, a future where every Nigerian has the opportunity to fulfil their dreams and contribute to the prosperity of our nation.
“I believe that this alignment of interests signals the approval of what HCD set out to accomplish—the addition of 24 million healthy, educated, and productive Nigerians to our expanding population by 2030.”
He declared that every Nigerian must thrive under the new administration’s visionary agenda.
“Our human capital remains our greatest asset, and investing in its development is not only a moral responsibility but also an economic necessity.”
He aligned the HCD programme’s objectives with President Tinubu’s eight-point agenda, including eradicating poverty and creating jobs.
According to him, “every Nigerian must thrive” for the country to realise its true potential.
“We are going to rely on defined frameworks and data to pursue investment in healthcare systems that are resilient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our citizens.
“We are committed to prioritising preventive care, reducing child mortality, stunting, tackling malnutrition and improving maternal health.”
