Vice President Kashim Shettima has placed the stability of the family unit at the very heart of Nigeria's national development agenda. He described marriage as a foundational social institution critical for fostering national cohesion, resilience, and long-term progress.
Vice President's Message at Makurdi Wedding
On December 28, 2025, in Makurdi, Vice President Shettima delivered this powerful message while representing President Bola Tinubu. The occasion was the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Miss Deborah Ershima and Mr Samuel Aondoakur, who is the son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Shettima argued that marriage transcends a mere personal celebration. He framed it as a vital societal structure for instilling the values that uphold communities and propel a nation forward. He portrayed the marital union as a profound symbol of integrated lives, asserting that strong families are non-negotiable for sustainable nation-building.
Building Resilience from the Home Front
The Vice President commended the families of the newlyweds for raising children with strong discipline, faith, and character. He emphasized that stable families are not accidental but are the result of intentional cultivation of positive values.
He offered insights into what makes marriages successful, noting that they thrive not on perfection but on alignment, patience, and humility. Shettima pointed out that the everyday choices of active listening, forgiveness, and mutual support are what sustain homes long after the wedding festivities conclude.
Drawing a direct parallel, Shettima stated that the resilience demonstrated in Nigerian households mirrors the country's overall capacity to face and overcome challenges. He insisted that unity and commitment at the family level directly reinforce national strength.
A Call for Supportive Communities
The Vice President made a plea to parents, relatives, and the wider society. He urged them to support married couples with guidance and goodwill, cautioning against placing undue pressure on them. Shettima believes stable homes flourish best in environments filled with understanding and encouragement.
Earlier at the event, SGF George Akume paid tribute to President Tinubu for his transformative leadership since taking office in May 2023. He thanked the President for the high-level representation and praised Vice President Shettima for making the trip from Maiduguri to Makurdi despite a packed schedule.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, also spoke. He commended both President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their relentless efforts to reposition Nigeria. The governor congratulated the couple and assured them of continued support and guidance from their community.
