Shettima banters with Fulani friends over refusal to enrol children in school

Vice President Kashim Shettima was seen on Friday exchanging banter with a group of Fulani men in Maiduguri, urging them to enrol their children in schools built by the Borno State Government.

​Mr Shettima was in the state to inaugurate key infrastructure projects, including a 400-bed teaching hospital at the state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University and the Yerwa Practice Mega School in Maiduguri.

​During the visit, the vice president exchanged greetings with some Fulani acquaintances who work as security guards at the facility.

Adorned in traditional turbans, the men warmly welcomed Mr Shettima, reminiscing as he inquired after familiar faces missing from the group.

​In a video seen by our reporter, Mr Shettima pointed out a face in the gathering and expressed pleasant surprise at how much a young boy he once knew had grown into adulthood.

He also asked after a woman he fondly referred to as his mother; the group explained that unforeseen circumstances had prevented her from attending.

​In a playful gesture, the vice president reached into the breast pocket of one of the men and pulled out a small pocket mirror. Laughing, he turned around to show it to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who stood behind him.

​Mr Shettima subsequently presented a cash gift to the group, instructing them to share it among themselves while reiterating his call for them to prioritise education.

​”The governor has built schools, but you are not enrolling your children. What is the problem?” Mr Shettima asked.

​When they responded that they were still searching for a suitable school, the vice president pointed toward a nearby school where their children and younger siblings could be enrolled.

Governor Zulum then stepped in, assuring the group that the state government would help resolve any hurdles they faced, before Mr Shettima departed to catch his flight.

Mr Shettima later posted about the encounter on Facebook.

“I reunited with my Fullo cousins, who are entrusted with the safety and security of Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, in Maiduguri today. How I’ve missed their warmth, wit and good-natured banter!”

The vice president also shared how he commissioned some projects in the state during the visit.

“I commissioned landmark projects in Maiduguri, Borno State, comprising the ultra-modern Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) and two schools.

“In my remarks, I said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda places strong emphasis on building enduring institutions, developing human capital and improving the quality of life of Nigerians.

“I stressed why sustainable development must outlive the tenure of political officeholders, especially how the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is designed to ensure that economic reforms deliver lasting social benefits, with investments in essential public services.

“Indeed, investments in healthcare and education are essential to economic productivity, national development and the recovery of communities affected by insecurity”, he stated.