Vice President Kashim Shettima has addressed the humorous backlash over his footwear choice at a prior NBA conference.
Speaking at a town hall meeting for the presidential business environment council, Shettima recounted the criticism he faced for wearing sneakers, adding a lighthearted twist to his story.
In a video posted by TVC News on their YouTube channel from 1:48:37, Shettima humorously referenced the incident, noting how he was made “mincemeat” for his choice of sneakers.
He contrasted his experience with that of his senior special assistant, Taiwo, who also wore sneakers but did not attract the same level of scrutiny, underscoring the inconsistency in the reactions.
With a playful tone, Shettima vowed to wear sneakers again at the next NBA conference, turning the previous controversy into a source of amusement.
He explained that the criticism he received was blown out of proportion, as his intention was simply to be comfortable and practical.
During his speech, Shettima also took the opportunity to praise Alhaji Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya, the executive governor of Gombe State and chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum.
He described Yahaya as an unsung hero for improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Shettima highlighted Yahaya’s preference for working behind the scenes, despite his substantial contributions to the country’s business environment.
Shettima’s comments reflect a broader theme of how public figures’ appearances and actions are often subject to intense scrutiny, sometimes overshadowing their actual work and achievements.
The Vice President’s remarks at the town hall meeting served to emphasise the importance of not allowing trivial matters to distract from more significant goals.
His lighthearted approach to the sneaker incident was a reminder that public officials, while often in the spotlight, are still individuals who make personal choices.
Kashim Shettima said, “Taiwo, the senior special assistant, wore a sneaker, and when I wore a sneaker to the NBA conference, they made a mincemeat of me.
“So at the next NBA conference, rest assured that I’ll again wear a sneaker and go there.
“Your Excellency, the executive governor of Gombe State and the chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Alhaji Muhammed Inuha Yahaya Gombe, is indeed one of the unsung heroes of the ease of doing business in Nigeria and one of our leaders who prefers anonymity and always attends this glamorous event.”
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