What I did after ’embarrassing myself at NBA forum’ – Shettima

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has disclosed what he did immediately after drawing public attention over his dress sense at the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Lagos, where he appeared as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Shettima had attended the event in a black suit and red tie, paired with gym shoes, an outfit that sparked widespread reactions on social media at the time.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025, held on Saturday at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, the Vice-President said the incident prompted him to make immediate changes to his wardrobe.

“When I embarrassed myself at the NBA forum, I went and bought some good suits, but at international events, I come out in my native wear(babanriga),” he said.

Shettima also spoke about the confidence Nigerians display wherever they find themselves, noting that Nigerians are easily identifiable abroad because of their self-assured disposition.

According to him, the current administration is determined not to allow Nigeria to fail, stressing that the country’s stability is critical to the global black population.

“Let us believe in this country; this country has to work. This is the greatest black nation on Earth. If Nigeria fails the black race has failed and we cannot afford to fail because it is a hope of the black race.”

“The hope of the black man rests with Nigeria, because Nigeria is economically enterprising, geographically mobile and economically proficient.

“What binds us together supersedes what divides us. For instance, if you see a Nigerian on the streets of London you don’t need a soothsayer to tell you this is a Nigerian, because we walk with cocky arrogance.“We don’t give way to a white man when we meet along the street…“So, it is in the best interest of the black race and the best interest of the world for Nigeria to work,” he said.

In his remarks, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said security conditions in the state had improved compared to last year, although challenges still persist.

“By the grace of God, the security situation on the Plateau today is not yet Uhuru, but it is better than where we were last year. We continue to face challenges, but together, I am sure we have sufficient will to surmount them,” he said.

Governor Mutfwang attributed the improvement to the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, the military and other security agencies, praising their sustained support to the state. He also noted that recent security assessments and policy submissions by the institute had been beneficial to the Plateau State Government.