Vice President Kashim Shettima says education and skill development are the answers to Nigeria’s hunger and poverty.

He made this statement at a meeting with a group from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The trip was led by Mr. Rodger Voorhies, President of the foundation’s Global Growth & Opportunity Division.

Vice President Shettima emphasised how climate change affects agricultural productivity and how vital it is to implement climate-smart farming practices in order to guarantee food security for Nigeria’s expanding populace.

The Vice President, therefore pleaded with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a strategic alliance with the Nigerian government in order to boost the country’s agricultural output, enhance nutrition, and fortify the educational system.

He tasked the Foundation with assisting President Bola Tinubu’s activities pertaining to gender empowerment, emphasising the importance of girl-child-focused programming to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce poverty.

Vice President Shettima conveyed his gratitude for the foundation’s noteworthy contributions to Nigeria, especially in the fields of primary healthcare delivery and the eradication of polio.

“We are investing heavily in agricultural innovation and best agricultural practices to enhance productivity.

“However, we need the expertise and resources of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate our progress,” he added.