Hardship: “The worst is over” – VP Shettima tells Nigerians

Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has given indications that the worst is over amid the prevailing economic situation in the country.

He spoke on Wednesday, March 27 during the official launch of the National Design and Innovation Competition at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

At the event, Shettima hailed the role of youths and their creativity in shaping Nigeria’s future, and promised that the federal government will provide the enabling environment for them to thrive.

The vice president declared that “the worst is over,” adding that the naira would continue to stabilise in the coming weeks and months, as “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making robust plans to see that all issues of insecurity are addressed.”

Shettima pledged the government’s support for youth aspirations and entrepreneurship, commending the financial institutions’ backing of the creative sector.

He also announced plans to include young innovators in the government’s $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) programme.

Meanwhile, in another news…

Earlier this month, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar appealed to market traders across the country not to increase the prices of foodstuffs during Ramadan which is fast approaching.

The royal father, who also serves as Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, emphasised the importance of compassion and empathy, especially towards the less privileged, during Ramadan.

He implored traders to align their business practices with Islamic teachings, stating the significance of conducting fair trade and assisting neighbors in need.

Etsu Nupe had said; “As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, traders should empathize with ordinary people and reduce the costs of food items to attract Allah’s blessings to their businesses.

“Those considering raising prices during Ramadan should contemplate the consequences before Almighty Allah on the day of judgment”.

The monarch expressed concern over the tendency of some traders to exploit the Ramadan season by hiking prices, contrary to the spirit of the month.

Abubakar added; “This is the period wealthy Nigerians should strive to assist the less privileged in the society by providing them with food items and cash to ease their hardships especially by using their God-given wealth to assist the p00r and the widows because this will go a long way to alleviating their sufferings.”