Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima emphasised the importance of exercising discretion in both public and private lives during the opening ceremony of a retreat and sensitisation programme for political aides on administrative procedures and governance in the public sector.
The event, organized by the State House in conjunction with Direct Knowledge Consult Ltd., is scheduled from September 4th to September 22nd at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
Shettima urged the participants, including political aides and senior civil servants, to be mindful of their words and actions, as they would face increased scrutiny and occasional rigorous criticism. He emphasised that their responsibilities extended beyond their roles and encompassed the aspirations of the entire nation.
The Vice President highlighted the purpose of the retreat, which was to facilitate the transition of political aides and equip them with fundamental principles of public sector administration and governance. He reiterated the government’s mission to uplift citizens’ lives impartially and inspire lasting change, emphasising the importance of breaking down barriers of inequality and fostering a safe, peaceful society.
Addressing the competence of the participants, Vice President Shettima stated that they were chosen for their formidable skills and potential to catalyze change. He encouraged them to bring fresh and imaginative ideas to harmonize with established practices.
Acknowledging the sensitive nature of their roles as political aides, the Vice President reminded them of their responsibility to adhere to the laws of the land in all official correspondence. He warned of the severe consequences of mishandling information, which could erode public trust, jeopardize national security, and undermine the government’s integrity.
Vice President Shettima stressed the importance of teamwork within the State House, emphasizing that they were part of a united team working towards a shared objective. He called for synergy and discouraged rivalry among the participants.
In his welcome address, Engr. Funso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, expressed that the training aimed at solidifying the commitment of political aides in achieving the goals of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also mentioned that participants would be exposed to information and document management systems to ensure the smooth operation of the new administration.
The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeja; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Abubakar Rufa’i; and the representative of the Director-General of the Directorate of State Services, among others.
