Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the determination of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to harness the vast socio-economic opportunities embedded in Nigeria’s geo-heritage sites, stressing that the federal government is ready to partner with stakeholders to achieve the goal.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when he received a delegation from the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, led by its chairman, Dr Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Shettima said government’s “doors are open for collaboration,” particularly with subnational governments.
“It is better late than never to explore the economic and developmental benefits of geo-heritage sites for the betterment of the nation,” the Vice President said, adding that the Tinubu administration is repositioning the country across all sectors.
According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said: “We have changed the narrative in all spheres of our national life whether social, economic, cultural, sports, agriculture, education, international diplomacy.”
Shettima commended the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, for their contributions to preserving the nation’s geo-heritage sites.
He further hailed the alignment of UNESCO IGGP’s mission with the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that their work on climate change, hydro-geology, geo-hazards, geo-dynamics, and geo-heritage was critical to national development.
The Vice President encouraged the committee to expand its reach across Nigeria’s geo-political zones, while assuring them of the federal government’s support.
“There are a lot of economic and development benefits of geo-heritage – jobs, sustainable tourism and of course, peace in host communities and international research funding. This country is a blessed country, hence, all hands must be on deck to make it work. I urge you to come on board, let us work as a team to reposition this country,” he said.
