Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerians, friends, associates and well-wishers to avoid spending money on birthday gifts, advertisements and elaborate celebrations as he marks his 60th birthday.
Instead, Shettima urged those wishing to celebrate him to channel the money they would have spent on gifts and festivities towards charities, worthy causes or people in need across Nigeria.
The Vice-President made the appeal in a message shared on his official X account on Tuesday, ahead of his birthday on Wednesday, September 2. Shettima was born on September 2, 1966, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Reflecting on the significance of turning 60, Shettima said the milestone should be a period for reflection, gratitude and giving rather than the pursuit of material possessions.
According to him, reaching the age of 60 should encourage a person to focus more on his contributions to society than on what he has accumulated.
“It is an age that asks fewer questions about what one has gathered and far more searching questions about what one has contributed,” he said.
Shettima noted that he had repeatedly asked his friends, supporters, associates and admirers not to spend money on gifts or undertake expensive activities in his honour.
He said he was grateful for the affection, goodwill and prayers he had received during previous birthdays but maintained that he would prefer acts of kindness towards others.
“I therefore appeal once again to everyone who wishes me well not to spend money marking my day but to channel whatever resources they may have intended for such gestures to a charity, cause or person of their choice anywhere in our country,” he said.
The Vice-President stressed that generosity should not be judged by the amount given, noting that even small acts of kindness could bring hope to someone going through difficult circumstances.
He said helping others was one of the most meaningful ways people could honour him on his birthday.
Shettima also reflected on the people who had contributed to his journey, saying no one reaches a significant stage in life solely through personal effort.
He acknowledged the roles played by family members, friends, teachers, colleagues, supporters, well-wishers and even strangers in shaping his life and career.
According to him, the appropriate way to repay such support is by extending kindness to people who may never have the opportunity to return the favour.
Rather than birthday advertisements, gifts and celebrations, Shettima said his major request from Nigerians was prayer.
“What I ask for, in place of advertisements, gifts and celebrations, is prayer. Pray for me, and pray for Nigeria,” he said.
He specifically asked Nigerians to pray for peace in their communities, prosperity for the people, wisdom for leaders and the realisation of Nigeria’s potential.
Shettima also identified Nigeria’s youthful population, cultural diversity, entrepreneurial spirit and communal solidarity as important national strengths.
He expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their support, friendship, loyalty and prayers throughout his public life, while wishing them long life, good health and fulfilment.
Shettima, a former banker, served as governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019 before representing Borno Central in the Senate between 2019 and 2023. He became Vice-President in 2023 after winning the election alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu, in a birthday message ahead of Shettima’s 60th birthday, described him as a trusted ally and patriot whose public career has been characterised by service, commitment and sacrifice.
Shettima had made a similar appeal in 2023, asking friends and political associates to avoid newspaper birthday advertisements and instead donate the money to charity.
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