Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave, dedicating the period to reading and reflection, as confirmed by the Presidency. The break, which began on August 7, is expected to conclude around August 20, with the Vice President returning to his official duties thereafter.
Presidency Confirms Leave Purpose
Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, confirmed the nature of the break. According to reports from PUNCH, Nkwocha stated that the leave follows a pattern the Vice President has maintained over time, emphasizing that it is a period for study and reflection.
"As predicted by many, during his two-week leave, Vice President Kashim Shettima, by custom, takes time for study and reflection," Nkwocha said.
Leadership Through Continuous Learning
Nkwocha further explained that stepping back from the pace of day-to-day responsibilities allows for deeper thinking and sharper clarity upon return. He highlighted the Vice President's commitment to continuous learning as a cornerstone of his leadership approach.
"Leadership is sustained by the willingness to keep learning… For the Vice President, the period is also an opportunity to deepen the knowledge required for continued service to Nigeria," he added.
He also underscored that the demands of high office make continued learning more essential, not less. "Learning does not end when responsibility begins. In many ways, greater responsibility makes learning even more necessary," Nkwocha said.
First Leave Since Inauguration
This leave marks the first break Shettima has taken since being sworn into office on May 29, 2023. The leave was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a press release issued by Nkwocha. During this period, Shettima plans to dedicate time to study, reflection, and intellectual renewal, with a focus on reviewing the administration's ongoing programmes and deepening his grasp of emerging national and global policy questions.
The Presidency described the leave period as "a time to read, reflect, and learn," signalling that the Vice President views the break not as rest alone but as preparation for the work ahead.
Photographs released on Monday showed Shettima browsing through books during his time away from official responsibilities, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and leadership growth.
