Vice President Kashim Shettima has linked the recent surge in vandalism and looting of public and private facilities in northern Nigeria to longstanding issues of poor leadership, widespread corruption, and entrenched poverty in the region.
Addressing the issue at a graduation ceremony for 20 indigent pupils from Hau’wa Memorial School (HMS), owned by the AMA Foundation, Shettima—represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmad—lamented the persistent tolerance of social vices that have cultivated a generation with little respect for authority or the rule of law.
He highlighted that these deep-rooted problems have contributed to the destruction of lives and property during recent nationwide protests against economic hardship.
Shettima stated: “For too long we have tolerated poverty, corruption, poor leadership, and we can see the result—a generation that has come up that has no respect for God, for the law of the land, for leadership, and for our values.”
Reflecting on the recent unrest, he noted that the upheaval was largely driven by youth who are frustrated by hunger, lack of prospects, and a sense of governmental neglect.
“In the last two weeks, the country has gone through difficult times, mostly led by youth—young people who are angry because they are hungry, young people who do not see any prospects for a better future, young people who think the government does not care about them, and young people who have no respect for any authority because they believe every authority has let them down,” Shettima said.
The Vice President emphasized the federal government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restoring Nigeria’s prosperity and ensuring that future generations can benefit from the legacies of past leaders like Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
Shettima urged young Nigerians to direct their anger towards constructive change in the political system, which he described as flawed and producing ineffective leaders. He also called on parents to take a more active role in their children’s upbringing, stressing that there is no excuse for theft or looting.
In closing, Shettima encouraged the graduating pupils to embrace hard work and integrity as they build their futures.
“We have to work hard for this country and believe that Nigeria can be fixed. If the politics we are running are not conducive, change it; if the system we are operating is not producing good leadership, peace, and security, change it—but do not walk away from the service of the people who have no one else to look up to,” he said.
He assured the graduates that the government is dedicated to creating an environment where they can pursue their education and livelihoods without fear.
