The announcement on Friday that Maryam ‘Shetty’ Shettima, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was removed from President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominee list sent to the Senate, elicited a variety of responses on both social media and offline platforms.
Tinubu Submits Additional Nominees to the Senate
Earlier, President Tinubu had forwarded an additional list of 19 ministerial nominees to the Senate, supplementing the initial 28-man list already sent to the lawmakers.
However, it was later revealed that Maryam Shetty, who was part of the second list, had been withdrawn from the ministerial nomination and replaced by Maigari Mahmud, also from Kano State.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The development triggered diverse reactions from Nigerians on social media, with Twitter being a prominent platform for expressing opinions and feelings about the decision.
Shetty’s Background and Achievements
Maryam ‘Shetty’ Shettima hails from Kano State, in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
She is a qualified physiotherapist, social activist, and passionate social entrepreneur, currently 44 years old.
Educational and Professional Background
Having completed her First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) and secondary education in Kano, Shetty pursued her BSc in physiotherapy at the Federal School of Physiotherapy, Bayero University, where she graduated with distinction.
She furthered her education at the University of East London, Stratford, in the United Kingdom, obtaining a Master’s degree in sports physiotherapy.
Work with Elite Athletes and Social Initiatives
Shetty’s expertise led her to become a valued member of the medical team during the London Olympics, where she worked with renowned athletes like Usain Bolt from Jamaica.
Beyond healthcare, she embraced social change, obtaining a Kingian Non-Violence Practitioner certificate from Emory University in the United States, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles.
Maryam also acquired knowledge in public policy, earning a certificate in Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century from the University of Virginia.
She made notable contributions to various sectors, including the UKAid-funded program, PATHS 2, the State House Clinic in the Presidential Villa, and the Child Care and Wellness sector.
Her Impactful Initiatives and Political Involvement
Shetty’s dedication to her country was evident through her successful rehabilitation of schools in Kano State under the #GivingBack initiative, positively affecting countless students.
She represented Nigeria at the United Nations General Assembly, displaying her commitment to accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts.
In the political realm, Maryam played a vital role in the APC Presidential Campaign Team during the last election, handling responsibilities in Field Operations and Strategic Communication for the Youths and Women Presidential Campaign Team.
She also contributed significantly to ensuring a peaceful election Congress in Delta State.
A Prominent APC Chieftain
With her political acumen and loyalty to the party, Maryam became a prominent APC Chieftain.
Her contributions to the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council were highly valued, particularly in the selection of the APC Presidential Candidate.
Recognition of Outstanding Leadership
Maryam’s remarkable contributions did not go unnoticed, as she received an Honorary Degree from the ESGT University of Technology, Benin Republic, in acknowledgment of her outstanding leadership and community development efforts.