From Sneakers to Suits: Shettima Recalls NBA Dressing Saga at NIPSS Event

From Sneakers to Suits: Shettima Recalls NBA Dressing Saga at NIPSS Event

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed how public reactions to his dressing at the 2022 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference in Lagos prompted him to make immediate changes to his wardrobe.

Shettima, who attended the NBA event as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 presidential election, had appeared in a black suit, red tie and gym shoes, a combination that sparked widespread debate on social media.

Speaking on Saturday at the graduation ceremony of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 47, 2025, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, the Vice-President said the experience was a personal lesson.

“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.

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Beyond the light-hearted recollection, Shettima spoke passionately about Nigeria’s global importance, stressing that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring the country does not fail.

“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 that,” he said, describing Nigeria as the economic and symbolic backbone of black people worldwide.

He also highlighted the confidence of Nigerians in the diaspora, noting that Nigerians are easily recognised abroad because of their self-assured carriage and resilience.

“The hope of the black man rests with Nigeria. What binds us together is greater than what divides us,” the Vice-President said.

In his remarks, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang acknowledged that although security challenges persist in the state, the situation has improved compared to last year.

He attributed the gains to the support of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian military, and other security agencies, adding that policy recommendations from NIPSS had been valuable in strengthening security efforts in the state.

From Sneakers to Suits: Shettima Recalls NBA Dressing Saga at NIPSS Event