Shettima: Private sector support is needed to grow economy

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a more robust collaboration between the government and business leaders to propel Nigeria’s economic goals.

Shettima spoke at a gathering of top industrialists at the Heirs Holdings group directors’ annual summit dinner in Abuja on Friday.

He said open dialogue, shared insights and collaborative work between the public and private sectors are crucial to develop solutions tailored towards Nigeria’s unique realities.

Shettima called for partnership between the political class and economic stakeholders, saying the two spheres are not opposites but complementary forces vital for national stability and progress.

“Politics is too important to be left to the politicians, and enterprises that define our economic destination are too important to be left to the businessmen alone to develop,” he said.

The vice-president urged the private sector to serve as catalysts for the administration’s practical economic vision, departing from cosmetic reforms of the collaboration between the public and comparisons.

“Collaboration between the private sectors is the ingredients of a thriving economy. We must engage in open dialogue and share insights and work together to crop solutions that are peculiar to our realities,” Shettima said.

“Whether it is tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, or enhancing education and healthcare, our partnership must aspire to drive sustainable development and create a safe future for all Nigerians.

“Our bragging right will not be about having the most unicorns on the continent but also about our entrepreneurial standing with global comparisons.”

Furthermore, he commended the leadership and dedication of Tony Elumelu, Heirs Holdings chairman, in empowering young African entrepreneurs.

“Tony Elumelu belongs to the class of wealthy men because he generates wealth and opportunities and is a harbinger of great tidings to the Nigerian people,” he said.

“For the dreams you have relegated to help build our nation, we offer our deepest gratitude and a promise to continue playing our part to enable the ease of doing business.”

‘EMPOWERING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS IN AFRICA’

On his part, Elumelu emphasised the group’s commitment to the philosophy of ‘Africapitalism’ and empowering young entrepreneurs across the continent.

“Today, we started our Annual General Meeting, and it will continue until Saturday. Sessions like this afford us the opportunity to reflect on everything we have done within the year, look at things we should have done better, learn from our past mistakes, and re-strategize on how to accomplish our purpose,” he said.

The businessman said the annual gathering is a platform to review achievements, business practices, and learn from the experiences of over 100 board members.

Elumelu expressed confidence that the collective efforts of Heirs Holdings and other business groups would contribute to transforming the African continent and uplifting the black race globally.