UN, Fayemi, others eulogise Kole Shettima @ 65

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Dr Amina Mohammed; a former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and other eminent Nigerians have commended Dr. Kole Ahmed Shettima for his commitment to human rights, social justice and Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

They gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja at the Symposium in honour of Dr. Shettima’s 65th birthday with the theme: “Role of Philanthropy in Strengthening Democracy in Africa”.

They noted that Dr. Shettima, the Director of the MacArthur Foundation, deserved to be celebrated for his devotion to democracy and national development.

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In her goodwill message, Dr. Mohammed said Dr Shettima was a philanthropist who had dedicated his life to the cause of democracy and social justice.

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“We are celebrating him (Shettima) for the efforts that have contributed significantly to strengthening institutions, fostering dialogue, and building resilience against shared threats such as insecurity, climate change, and inequality,” the deputy UN scribe said.

Dr. Fayemi said Shettima, fondly called KAS (acronym of his names) was a selfless leader, brother and friend who has been a major counsel, advisor on many issues and has helped in stabilising institutions he belongs to.

“If there’s anybody fully deserving of being celebrated and acknowledged for his service and sacrifice to country and to humanity, it can only be Kole Shettima. I would like to think that many of us here would regard Kole as more of our brother than friend.

“He has been involved in some of the most significant activities that many countries won’t talk about. People in this room are aware of the role Kole particularly played in addressing insurgency, connecting people, helping to rescue several,” Fayemi said.

Delivering the keynote, Dr. Emmanuel Akwetey, Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), Ghana, said that Dr Shettima leads by example, mobilising resources, fostering partnerships, and implementing solutions that address complex societal challenges that work locally.

The chairperson of the organising committee, Dr. Y. Z. Yau, said the event was put together to celebrate the life of Dr. Shettima as a selfless patriot who has continued to, both at personal and official levels, support democracy in Nigeria and Africa.

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Atrahiru Jega, academics, politicians, university administrators, technocrats, civil society actors, activists, associates, family, and mentees of Dr. Shettima among others were at the event.