Vice President Kashim Shettima will begin a two-week leave from Thursday, August 6, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking his first official leave since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the leave will be dedicated to study, reflection and intellectual renewal aimed at strengthening the Vice President’s capacity for national service.

The statement said the period away from official duties would provide Shettima with an opportunity to review the Tinubu administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the next phase of implementing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Since taking office, Shettima has played a central role in coordinating and supervising key government initiatives spanning economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has also chaired meetings of the National Economic Council (NEC), bringing together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other senior government officials to deliberate on economic policies and issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians.

On the international stage, the Vice President has represented President Tinubu at major regional and global engagements, promoting Nigeria’s interests in economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development.

The Presidency said Shettima remains committed to the principles of loyalty, duty and service that have characterised his role in the administration, while continuing to support President Tinubu’s efforts to build “a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.”

He is expected to resume official duties at the end of the two-week leave. (Arise News)