In the quiet hours when most of Nigeria sleeps, Vice President Kashim Shettima is wide awake, wrestling with national challenges and crafting solutions that will transform lives.

As his personal aide, I've witnessed a leadership style that goes far beyond traditional political performances – a commitment so profound it redefines what public service truly means.

Late-night emails are just the beginning of understanding Shettima's relentless dedication. I've watched him personally review MSME grant applications at midnight, ensuring no deserving business is overlooked. His mantra is simple yet powerful: "These policies affect real people – real mothers trying to feed their children, and real farmers staking their livelihoods on our decisions."

When rural women-owned businesses struggled with documentation requirements during the MSME Clinics rollout in 2025, Shettima didn't just acknowledge the problem – he convened an immediate virtual meeting to redesign the entire process. His approach isn't bureaucratic; it's deeply human.

I've traveled with him across Nigeria, witnessing how his calendar isn't just a schedule, but a map of the nation's challenges and opportunities. During violent clashes in Benue State, he was airborne within hours, not for media attention, but to sit with community leaders and mediate. His message was transformative: "You're both right to be angry, and you're both wrong to be fighting. While you fight each other, your children go hungry, and those who wish Nigeria ill are celebrating."

What truly sets Shettima apart is his extraordinary commitment to reconciliation. I've seen him spend hours on phone calls mediating between feuding political leaders, believing passionately that Nigeria's diversity becomes a strength only when we choose unity over division.

Perhaps most telling was a moment during international engagement preparations. Seeing his exhausted team working late, he surprised everyone by ordering them home. "Go home now," he said. "That's an order. The planning can wait until morning. Your families can't." In that simple statement, he revealed the essence of leadership – understanding that behind every professional is a human being with a life beyond work.

As 2025 draws to a close, I realize I'm not just reflecting on a year of policy and governance, but on a profound lesson in compassionate, people-centered leadership.