Shettima hails Gates Foundation, backs expanded partnership on Tinubu’s reforms

He assured the delegation that the administration would elevate its collaboration with the Foundation, particularly in critical sectors such as digital transformation, nutrition, agriculture and healthcare.

According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said “we deeply appreciate the Gates Foundation. It is our strategic partner in the drive to change the Nigerian narrative. We need the Gates Foundation not just as a strong and consistent partner but as a major stakeholder in the Nigeria Project”.

“You have sustained investments across human capital development, nutrition, agriculture, health system and so many areas. We can’t thank you enough, and honestly, I want to assure you that we will elevate that relationship to a higher pedestal, especially in the area of nutrition, which is now receiving the highest level of support,” he added.

The Vice President also commended members of the Foundation’s Nigerian team for their commitment, describing them as dependable partners.

“I’m mightily proud of them. I call them in the oddest of hours and they attend to us,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s vast potential, Shettima noted that the country could surpass some of the world’s major economies if it harnesses its resources effectively, describing it as the “sleeping giant of Africa.”

He stressed the importance of boosting agricultural productivity through modern techniques, including the adoption of high-yield and climate-resilient seed varieties, precision farming and improved irrigation systems.

“We have been talking about agriculture for far too long but the whole mantra is about how to increase productivity,” the Vice President stated, linking enhanced productivity to economic growth and GDP expansion.

Earlier, Mr. Menon said the Foundation’s delegation was in Abuja to deepen and broaden its partnership with Nigeria, particularly in support of the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu.

He acknowledged the current administration’s reformist drive, describing Nigeria as being at a “remarkable moment” marked by dynamic changes.

“Nigeria is going through a very remarkable moment led by the reformist vision of the President and the Vice President. There are lots of very dynamic changes underway and the Gates Foundation is privileged to have the opportunity to partner with the government of Nigeria and with the private sector innovators of Nigeria to really contribute to long-term economic transformation and development,” he said.

Menon outlined the Foundation’s focus areas to include reducing preventable maternal and child deaths, eliminating infectious diseases, and supporting economic opportunities for inclusive growth.

“In all of these areas, Nigeria is emerging as a trailblazer, and we really look forward to deepening and broadening our partnerships, particularly with in-country institutions, innovators and leaders,” he added.

He noted that progress recorded in Nigeria could provide valuable lessons for other countries across the Global South.