Vice President Kashim Shettima and renowned governance reform expert, Dr Joe Abah, have jointly called for a new era of ethical and selfless leadership in Nigeria's public service. They made the call during a special policy colloquium held in honour of Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Government Performance Evaluation.
Colloquium Highlights Leadership Imperatives
The event, which marked Usman's 50th birthday anniversary, took place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on January 13, 2026. It attracted a gathering of senior government officials, policy experts, and public servants who convened to discuss the fundamentals of effective governance.
In his keynote address, Dr Joe Abah, drawing from his extensive experience in public service and advisory roles, delivered a powerful message to political leaders. He urged them to discard attitudes of bitterness and entitlement, emphasising that governance is a complex endeavour that demands maturity and restraint.
Governance: Harder Than Rocket Science
Abah provided a striking analogy, stating that governance is often more challenging than rocket science. He explained that while technical systems follow predictable rules, government operates within a dynamic landscape shaped by politics, diverse identities, public expectations, and institutional pressures.
"In government, no matter your experience, you must navigate all these realities at the same time," Abah noted. He used practical illustrations to argue that power must be exercised with caution and responsibility, not as a tool for intimidation. True leadership, he insisted, requires the courage to navigate competing interests and the complexities of people and power.
Shettima's Charge for Selfless Service
Earlier in his goodwill remarks, Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed similar sentiments, charging public servants to uphold the values of selflessness, discipline, and consistency. He stated that enduring legacies in governance are not built on temporary spectacle or public applause.
According to Shettima, sustainable institutions are forged through daily discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. He stressed that public officers must demonstrate through their actions that their primary motive is to serve the people, prioritising integrity and the public good over personal aggrandisement or quick wins.
The colloquium served as a significant platform for reinforcing the core principles expected of Nigeria's leaders. Both speakers unanimously agreed that embracing ethical leadership, characterised by selflessness and a focus on service, is non-negotiable for achieving meaningful national development and earning public trust.
