Vice President Kashim Shettima has made an unusual request to friends, supporters, and well-wishers as he marks his 60th birthday: do not buy him gifts, place congratulatory advertisements, or spend money celebrating him — give the money instead to needy Nigerians.
Shettima, in a reflective birthday message titled, “What I Ask For at Sixty,” said anyone wishing to honour him should identify a charity, worthy cause, or person in need anywhere in Nigeria and channel whatever resources intended for his celebration towards helping them.
The Vice President said turning 60 had strengthened his conviction that birthdays, particularly major milestones, should be less about personal celebration and accumulation and more about gratitude, service, and giving back to society.
“Please do not spend a kobo on a gift for me, nor undertake any venture of material consequence in my honour,” Shettima appealed to friends, supporters, associates, and admirers.
“This year, as I turn sixty, I am even more resolute about that request.”
He said 60 represented an age at which a person should increasingly measure life by what he had contributed rather than what he had accumulated.
“Sixty is an age at which our people expect a man to have exchanged impulse for reflection, vanity for gratitude, and the desire to accumulate for the wisdom to give,” Shettima said.
“It is an age that asks fewer questions about what one has gathered and far more searching questions about what one has contributed.”
He consequently urged those who had planned birthday gifts, advertisements, and other gestures for him to redirect the expenditure to people and organisations needing assistance.
“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.
Shettima argued that the strength and humanity of a nation could partly be measured by the care its citizens extended to vulnerable people, noting that meaningful generosity was not necessarily determined by the amount given.
According to him, even relatively small acts of kindness could make a profound difference in the life of someone facing difficult circumstances.
“A nation is ennobled by the care it extends to those who need the strength of others,” he said.
“Sometimes the smallest kindness arrives at precisely the moment another person needs to be reminded that humanity has not forgotten them. For me, such an act is among the most eloquent prayers anyone can offer on my behalf.”
The Vice President said no one reached significant milestones entirely through personal effort, noting that everyone was, at different stages of life, a beneficiary of the kindness and sacrifices of family members, teachers, friends, colleagues, supporters, and sometimes complete strangers.
He said the appropriate way to repay such debts was to extend similar kindness to people who might never have the means or opportunity to reciprocate.
“Every hand that lifts another somewhere in Nigeria tomorrow will be a candle lit for me,” Shettima said.
He also asked Nigerians to substitute gifts and advertisements with prayers — not only for him, but for the country.
“What I ask for, in place of advertisements, gifts, and celebrations, is prayer. Pray for me, and pray for Nigeria,” the Vice President said.
“Pray for the peace of our communities, the prosperity of our people, the wisdom of our leaders, and the fulfilment of the immense promise of this nation.”
Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria despite its challenges, describing the country as blessed with industrious people, a strong entrepreneurial instinct, and a youthful population whose imagination, talent, and ambition remained among its greatest assets.
He also described Nigeria’s diversity as an inheritance and its different cultures as reservoirs of strength, saying the ability of Nigerians to build fellowship across differences remained one of the country’s enduring qualities.
President Bola Tinubu, meanwhile, paid glowing tribute to Shettima at 60, describing the Vice President as his “brother and partner” and an invaluable ally in the administration’s efforts to deliver its Renewed Hope promises to Nigerians.
In a personally signed message, Tinubu said Shettima’s loyalty, wisdom, and sense of duty had strengthened their partnership at the helm of government.
“Today, I warmly congratulate Vice President Kashim Shettima, my brother and partner in steering the ship of our state, on his 60th birthday,” Tinubu said.
The President joined Shettima’s wife, Nana, their children, family members, and political associates in celebrating the milestone, describing the Vice President as a patriot whose life had been defined by service, commitment, and sacrifice for worthy causes.
“Kashim is not just a trusted ally or a valued colleague, but also a patriot whose life has been defined by service, commitment, and sacrifice for worthy causes,” he said.
Tinubu said Shettima’s career, from banking to politics and public service, had been distinguished by courage, diligence, and compassion.
“In celebrating Kashim, we celebrate his distinguished banking career and exemplary record of service to Borno State and Nigeria,” the President said.
He particularly praised Shettima’s years as governor of Borno State and his service as Vice President, saying he had demonstrated an abiding commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.
Tinubu also commended Shettima’s loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and his commitment to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President singled out the Vice President’s role as Chairman of the National Economic Council, saying he had provided purposeful leadership in coordinating economic policy and strengthening cooperation between the Federal Government and the states.
Tinubu also praised Shettima’s respect for constitutional institutions and his preference for consultation and dialogue in handling national issues.
“As a trusted partner, his loyalty, wisdom, and sense of duty have remained invaluable to the administration,” the President said.
He thanked the Vice President for standing firmly with him as the administration works to translate its reforms and programmes into improved living conditions and greater opportunities for Nigerians.
“I must thank Vice President Shettima for his steadfast support and partnership as we continue to join hands in delivering the promises of Renewed Hope to Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
“I am confident that working together, we will continue to make meaningful progress in building the Nigeria of our dreams.”
The President wished Shettima many more years of service to the country and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health.
“May Munificent Allah grant him wisdom and good health, and bless him with many more years of purposeful service to Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
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