Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday used a moment of celebration to deliver a pointed message to Nigeria’s public service: lasting impact is built less on grand gestures and more on quiet, consistent excellence.
Speaking in Abuja at a colloquium held to mark the 50th birthday of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, Shettima said the true test of public office lies in selflessness, discipline, and strength of character.
According to the Vice President, the institutions that endure are shaped by individuals who show up every day with a commitment to excellence, regardless of obstacles. He stressed that resilience and steady effort, rather than shortcuts or personal ambition, are what sustain meaningful legacies in governance.
Shettima noted that public servants must see their roles as a calling that demands consistency, ethical conduct, and the courage to do what is right, even when the process of building strong institutions proves difficult. The Vice President praised the focus of the colloquium, describing it as a reminder that leadership in public service is measured by impact and continuity, not momentary recognition.
He added that excellence in governance is achieved through daily discipline and a willingness to place national interest above personal gain. The event, organised in honour of Bala Usman’s milestone birthday, brought together policymakers, technocrats, and stakeholders to reflect on leadership, coordination, and the pursuit of effective governance in Nigeria.
