Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigeria’s public servants to imbibe the virtues of selflessness and excellence, stressing that daily discipline, resilience and consistent effort are essential to building enduring public institutions and effective governance.
Shettima delivered the charge on Tuesday during a colloquium in Abuja held to mark the 50th birthday of Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.
Shettima said the strength of Nigeria’s public service depends not on spectacle or applause, but on sustained dedication to duty and character.
“‘If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,’” he said, underlining the importance of commitment in public service.
Highlighting Bala Usman’s career as an example, the Vice President described her service record as a model of quiet dedication, noting that her impact came from deliberate and disciplined work that strengthened institutions.
He said her journey in public service reflected character traits that should be emulated by others in the civil and public sectors. “‘What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care,’” Shettima said, lauding her contribution to national development.
The Vice President’s remarks align with ongoing national emphasis on public sector reform and accountability, as leaders continue to advocate for professionalism and integrity within government institutions.
His call reinforces similar appeals by senior officials urging civil servants to prioritise discipline and service ethos in their official duties, reflecting broader expectations for enhanced performance in public administration.
Shettima’s address comes at a time when public discourse in Nigeria frequently highlights the need for efficient and responsive governance, with analysts and stakeholders noting that public confidence in institutions is strengthened when officials demonstrate commitment to the common good.
His appeal underscores the view that the quality of leadership and service delivery within the public sector profoundly influences national development outcomes.
The colloquium brought together government officials, policy experts and civil society representatives who joined in celebrating Bala Usman’s milestone while echoing the message that public stewardship must be rooted in selflessness, discipline and excellence.
As Nigeria navigates economic and social challenges, Shettima’s exhortation reiterates the significance of values‑driven public service as a foundation for sustainable progress and institutional trust.
